APEM Inc. 306CBE Pushbutton Switch - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The APEM Inc. 306CBE is a pushbutton switch with SPST-NO (Single Pole Single Throw - Normally Open) circuit configuration, rated for 0.4VA at 20V AC/DC. This component features a standard panel mount rear configuration with a circular 6.35mm diameter cutout and fully sealed construction. The 306CBE is classified as obsolete, making identification of suitable substitute components necessary for ongoing system maintenance and new design implementations.

Substiute Parts

306CBE
APEM Inc.In Stock: 757306CBE Datasheet
306CBE
Current Part
306CQE
APEM Inc.In Stock: 901306CQE Datasheet
306CQE
Direct

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Manufacturer Part Number 306CBE
Manufacturer APEM Inc.
Series 300
Circuit Configuration SPST-NO
Switch Function Off-Mom (Momentary)
Current Rating 0.4VA (AC/DC)
Voltage Rating - AC 20V
Voltage Rating - DC 20V
Mounting Type Panel Mount, Rear
Actuator Type Round, Plunger
Panel Cutout Dimensions Circular - 6.35mm Dia
Termination Style PC Pin
Operating Temperature Range -30°C to 85°C
Electrical Life 250,000 Cycles
Features Sealed - Fully
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant
Product Status Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 306CBE is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Critical Compatibility Parameters:

  • Circuit configuration: SPST-NO
  • Switch function: Off-Mom (Momentary)
  • Mounting type: Panel Mount, Rear
  • Actuator type: Round, Plunger
  • Panel cutout dimensions: Circular - 6.35mm Dia
  • Termination style: PC Pin
  • Operating temperature range: -30°C to 85°C
  • Electrical life: 250,000 Cycles
  • Features: Sealed - Fully

Electrical Rating Considerations: Substitute parts must maintain compatibility with the original electrical specifications. The 306CBE operates at 0.4VA with 20V AC/DC ratings. Substitute components may have higher current and voltage ratings, provided they do not introduce incompatibility with the target application circuit.

The 306CQE qualifies as a direct substitute based on matching all critical mechanical and functional parameters while providing enhanced electrical ratings (1A at 125V AC / 28V DC).

Parameter Comparison

Parameter 306CBE (Main Part) 306CQE (Substitute)
Manufacturer APEM Inc. APEM Inc.
Series 300 300
Circuit Configuration SPST-NO SPST-NO
Switch Function Off-Mom Off-Mom
Current Rating 0.4VA (AC/DC) 1A (AC/DC)
Voltage Rating - AC 20V 125V
Voltage Rating - DC 20V 28V
Mounting Type Panel Mount, Rear Panel Mount, Rear
Actuator Type Round, Plunger Round, Plunger
Actuator Color White White
Panel Cutout Dimensions Circular - 6.35mm Dia Circular - 6.35mm Dia
Termination Style PC Pin PC Pin
Operating Temperature Range -30°C to 85°C -30°C to 85°C
Electrical Life 250,000 Cycles 250,000 Cycles
Features Sealed - Fully Sealed - Fully
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant
Product Status Obsolete Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 306CQE is the qualified substitute for the obsolete 306CBE. Both components are manufactured by APEM Inc. within the 300 series and share identical mechanical interfaces and functional characteristics. The 306CQE maintains active product status, ensuring availability and continued manufacturer support.

Both parts comply with ROHS3 requirements and carry REACH Unaffected status, meeting current environmental and regulatory standards. The 306CQE provides superior electrical ratings (1A at 125V AC / 28V DC) compared to the original 306CBE (0.4VA at 20V), making it suitable for applications requiring the original component's specifications while offering enhanced capability margins.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 306CQE directly replace the 306CBE in existing applications?

A: Yes. The 306CQE maintains identical mechanical mounting, panel cutout dimensions, actuator configuration, and functional characteristics as the 306CBE. Both components feature the same SPST-NO circuit, Off-Mom switch function, and fully sealed construction with PC pin termination.

Q: What are the key differences between these two parts?

A: The primary differences are electrical ratings and product status. The 306CBE is rated for 0.4VA at 20V AC/DC and is obsolete. The 306CQE is rated for 1A at 125V AC / 28V DC and maintains active product status. Both share identical mechanical specifications and operating temperature range (-30°C to 85°C).

Q: Are there packaging differences between the 306CBE and 306CQE?

A: The 306CBE is supplied with dash packaging, while the 306CQE is supplied in bulk packaging. Both components are identical in form factor and panel mount configuration.

Q: Do both parts meet current compliance standards?

A: Yes. Both the 306CBE and 306CQE are ROHS3 compliant and carry REACH Unaffected status, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements.

Q: What is the electrical life expectancy for these switches?

A: Both the 306CBE and 306CQE are rated for 250,000 electrical cycles, providing equivalent operational longevity under specified conditions.

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