381EL331M400K052 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 381EL331M400K052 is a 330 µF, 400 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor manufactured by Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE) in a radial, can snap-in package. This component is rated for general-purpose applications with a 7000-hour lifetime at 105°C and an operating temperature range of -25°C to 105°C.

The 381EL series has reached obsolete product status. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production or repair requirements. Substitute parts must maintain electrical compatibility across capacitance, voltage rating, tolerance, and mechanical form factor while accounting for variations in ESR, ripple current handling, and thermal lifetime specifications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Capacitance	330	µF
Voltage - Rated	400	V
Tolerance	±20%	-
Package / Case	Radial, Can - Snap-In	-
Mounting Type	Through Hole	-
Lead Spacing	0.394" (10.00mm)	-
Operating Temperature	-25°C ~ 105°C	-
Polarization	Polar	-
Applications	General Purpose	-
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	-
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)	-

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 381EL331M400K052 is determined by strict adherence to the following core electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

Capacitance: 330 µF (exact match required)
Voltage Rating: 400 V (exact match required)
Tolerance: ±20% (exact match required)
Package Type: Radial, Can - Snap-In (exact match required)
Lead Spacing: 0.394" (10.00mm) (exact match required)
Mounting Type: Through Hole (exact match required)
Polarization: Polar (exact match required)

Secondary Performance Parameters (Allowable Variation):

ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance): Variation permitted based on application requirements
Lifetime @ Temperature: Variation permitted; higher values provide extended service life
Ripple Current Ratings: Variation permitted; higher values indicate improved thermal performance
Physical Dimensions (Diameter and Height): Variation permitted within mechanical envelope constraints
Manufacturer: Alternative manufacturers acceptable if all primary criteria are met

All substitute parts listed maintain the core electrical specifications (330 µF, 400 V, ±20% tolerance) and mechanical form factor (radial snap-in, 10mm lead spacing, through-hole mounting) required for direct functional replacement. Variations in ESR, thermal lifetime, and ripple current capacity reflect different series designs and performance tiers within compatible product families.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Series	Capacitance (µF)	Voltage (V)	Tolerance	ESR @ 120Hz (mOhm)	Lifetime @ 105°C (Hrs)	Diameter (mm)	Height (mm)	Product Status
381EL331M400K052	Cornell Dubilier Electronics	381EL	330	400	±20%	450	7000	30.00	50.00	Obsolete
381LQ331M400A022	Cornell Dubilier Electronics	381LQ	330	400	±20%	553	2000	35.00	32.00	Active
381LQ331M400K032	Cornell Dubilier Electronics	381LQ	330	400	±20%	553	2000	30.00	37.00	Active
381LR331M400A022	Cornell Dubilier Electronics	381LR	330	400	±20%	402	3000	35.00	32.00	Active
381LR331M400K042	Cornell Dubilier Electronics	381LR	330	400	±20%	402	3000	30.00	42.00	Active
381LX331M400A032	Cornell Dubilier Electronics	381LX	330	400	±20%	-	3000	35.00	37.00	Active
381LX331M400K452	Cornell Dubilier Electronics	381LX	330	400	±20%	-	3000	30.00	47.00	Active
SLP331M400E5P3	Cornell Dubilier Electronics	SLP0712TE (750W)	330	400	±20%	1005	3000	30.00	35.00	Active
ELXM401VSN331MR45S	Chemi-Con	LXM	330	400	±20%	-	7000	30.00	47.00	Active
ETXH401VSN331MR45S	Chemi-Con	TXH	330	400	±20%	-	10000	30.00	45.00	Active
MAL215966331E3	Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC Components	159 PUL-SI	330	400	±20%	320	5000	35.00	37.00	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Cornell Dubilier Electronics 381LR Series (381LR331M400K042, 381LR331M400A022)

The 381LR series represents the primary substitute option within the Cornell Dubilier product family. These parts maintain identical electrical specifications (330 µF, 400 V, ±20% tolerance) and mechanical compatibility (radial snap-in, 10mm lead spacing). The 381LR series offers improved ESR performance (402 mOhm @ 120Hz versus 450 mOhm) and extended thermal lifetime (3000 hours @ 105°C). Both parts are ROHS3 compliant and carry active product status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain stability.

Cornell Dubilier Electronics 381LX Series (381LX331M400K452, 381LX331M400A032)

The 381LX series provides an alternative within the Cornell Dubilier portfolio with 3000-hour thermal lifetime at 105°C. These parts are ROHS3 compliant and active products. The 381LX331M400K452 offers a compact 30mm diameter with 47mm height, matching the original part's diameter while providing extended thermal performance.

Chemi-Con LXM Series (ELXM401VSN331MR45S)

The Chemi-Con LXM series delivers equivalent thermal performance to the original 381EL part (7000 hours @ 105°C) with active product status and RoHS compliance. This option maintains the 30mm diameter and provides a direct performance match for applications requiring extended thermal lifetime.

Chemi-Con TXH Series (ETXH401VSN331MR45S)

The Chemi-Con TXH series offers the highest thermal lifetime specification (10000 hours @ 105°C) among all substitute options. This part is suitable for applications requiring maximum thermal endurance and is RoHS compliant with active product status.

Vishay Beyschlag MAL215966331E3

The Vishay MAL215966331E3 from the 159 PUL-SI series provides an alternative from a third-party manufacturer. This part features the lowest ESR specification (320 mOhm @ 120Hz) and 5000-hour thermal lifetime at 105°C. It is ROHS3 compliant and carries active product status.

Selection Criteria:

For direct performance replacement: Select ELXM401VSN331MR45S (Chemi-Con LXM) to match the original 7000-hour thermal lifetime.
For improved ESR performance: Select 381LR331M400K042 or 381LR331M400A022 (Cornell Dubilier 381LR series) for lower equivalent series resistance.
For extended thermal lifetime: Select ETXH401VSN331MR45S (Chemi-Con TXH) for 10000-hour operation at 105°C.
For lowest ESR: Select MAL215966331E3 (Vishay) for 320 mOhm ESR performance.

All recommended substitutes are active products with current manufacturing status, ensuring availability and supply chain continuity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 381EL331M400K052 be replaced with any of the listed substitute parts?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts maintain the core electrical specifications (330 µF, 400 V, ±20% tolerance) and mechanical form factor (radial snap-in, 10mm lead spacing, through-hole mounting) required for functional replacement. Selection depends on specific application requirements regarding ESR, thermal lifetime, and physical envelope constraints.

Q: What is the primary difference between the 381LR and 381LX series substitutes?

A: The 381LR series features a lower ESR specification (402 mOhm @ 120Hz) compared to the 381LX series, which does not specify ESR. Both series offer 3000-hour thermal lifetime at 105°C. The 381LR series is preferred for applications sensitive to equivalent series resistance performance.

Q: Does the physical size variation between substitute parts affect compatibility?

A: Physical dimensions (diameter and height) vary among substitute parts. All parts maintain the 10mm lead spacing and radial snap-in package type required for PCB mounting compatibility. Verify that the specific height and diameter of the selected substitute part fit within the mechanical envelope of the target application before implementation.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts are either ROHS3 compliant (Cornell Dubilier and Vishay parts) or RoHS compliant (Chemi-Con parts). All parts carry REACH Unaffected status and are classified under ECCN EAR99.

Q: Which substitute part most closely matches the original 381EL331M400K052 performance?

A: The ELXM401VSN331MR45S (Chemi-Con LXM series) provides the closest performance match, offering identical 7000-hour thermal lifetime at 105°C while maintaining all electrical and mechanical specifications. This part is recommended for applications where thermal performance parity with the original part is required.

Q: What is the significance of ESR variation among substitute parts?

A: ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) affects ripple current handling, heat dissipation, and voltage ripple performance. Lower ESR values (320 mOhm to 402 mOhm) indicate improved thermal performance and reduced voltage ripple. The original part specifies 450 mOhm ESR. Substitutes with lower ESR provide enhanced performance; substitutes with higher ESR (553 mOhm) may require thermal evaluation in ripple-current-intensive applications.

Q: Can the SLP331M400E5P3 be used as a substitute despite its higher ESR specification?

A: The SLP331M400E5P3 maintains all core electrical and mechanical compatibility requirements. However, its ESR specification (1005 mOhm @ 120Hz) is significantly higher than the original part (450 mOhm). This part is suitable only for applications where ESR performance is not critical. Thermal evaluation is recommended before implementation in ripple-current-intensive circuits.

Q: What is the inventory status of substitute parts?

A: All substitute parts listed are active products with current inventory availability. The 381LR331M400A022 offers the highest inventory level (600,200 pieces), ensuring long-term supply chain stability. Specific inventory quantities are subject to change; verify current availability with component suppliers before procurement.

Q: Are there any thermal lifetime trade-offs when selecting substitute parts?

A: Yes. The original 381EL part specifies 7000 hours @ 105°C. The 381LQ series offers only 2000 hours, while the 381LR and 381LX series offer 3000 hours. The Chemi-Con LXM series matches the original at 7000 hours, and the Chemi-Con TXH series exceeds it at 10000 hours. Select thermal lifetime based on application duty cycle and expected service life requirements.

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