3M 31-8-W Spade Terminal Connector - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 3M 31-8-W is an 8 stud spade terminal connector designed for crimp termination of 18-22 AWG wire. This non-insulated, brazed seam connector is classified as an active product and is RoHS compliant. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified when they maintain functional compatibility across critical electrical and mechanical parameters including stud size, wire gauge range, termination method, and mounting configuration.

Substiute Parts

31-8-W

3MIn Stock: 92131-8-W Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

P18-8F-C

Panduit CorpIn Stock: 1254P18-8F-C Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 3M 31-8-W is determined by the following critical parameters:

• Stud/Tab Size: Must be 8 stud to ensure mechanical fit with mating components
• Wire Gauge Range: Must accommodate 18-22 AWG minimum; extended ranges are acceptable if they include this specification
• Termination Method: Must be crimp to maintain compatibility with existing assembly processes
• Mounting Type: Must be free hanging (in-line) configuration
• Insulation Type: Must be non-insulated to match the original specification
• Features: Brazed seam construction is required for structural integrity

The Panduit Corp P18-8F-C meets these criteria with the following considerations: wire gauge range extends to 16-22 AWG (encompassing the 18-22 AWG requirement), stud size is 8, termination is crimp, mounting is free hanging (in-line), insulation is non-insulated, and brazed seam construction is maintained.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both the 3M 31-8-W and Panduit P18-8F-C are active products with current manufacturing status. The 3M part carries RoHS compliance certification, while the Panduit substitute meets ROHS3 compliance and is REACH unaffected. Both parts share identical ECCN and HTSUS classifications, indicating equivalent regulatory treatment for export and tariff purposes.

The Panduit P18-8F-C provides functional substitution with minor dimensional variations: outer edge width is 0.020" (0.51mm) narrower and overall length is 0.010" (0.25mm) shorter. The extended wire gauge range (16-22 AWG versus 18-22 AWG) provides additional application flexibility while maintaining compatibility with the specified 18-22 AWG requirement. Contact material is specified as copper with tin finish on the Panduit part, whereas the 3M part does not provide contact material specifications in the available data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the Panduit P18-8F-C replace the 3M 31-8-W in all applications?

A: The Panduit P18-8F-C is functionally equivalent for applications requiring 8 stud spade terminals with 18-22 AWG wire crimp termination. Both parts maintain identical stud size, termination method, mounting configuration, and insulation type. Dimensional differences are minimal (0.020" width, 0.010" length) and do not affect standard mating interfaces.

Q: What is the significance of the extended wire gauge range on the Panduit part?

A: The Panduit P18-8F-C accommodates 16-22 AWG wire, compared to the 3M part's 18-22 AWG specification. This extended range allows the Panduit part to be used in applications requiring 16 or 17 AWG termination, while remaining fully compatible with the original 18-22 AWG requirement.

Q: Are there compliance differences between these parts?

A: Both parts are active products with current RoHS compliance. The 3M part is RoHS compliant, while the Panduit part meets ROHS3 compliance. Both share identical ECCN (EAR99) and HTSUS (8536.90.4000) classifications. The Panduit part is additionally noted as REACH unaffected.

Q: How do the dimensional differences affect installation?

A: The Panduit P18-8F-C is slightly smaller in outer edge width (0.320" versus 0.340") and overall length (0.690" versus 0.700"). These differences are within typical manufacturing tolerances for spade terminal connectors and do not affect compatibility with standard 8 stud receptacles or mating hardware.

Q: What contact material specifications are provided?

A: The Panduit P18-8F-C specifies copper contact material with tin finish. The 3M 31-8-W does not provide contact material or finish specifications in the available technical data.