381LR331M250J022 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 381LR331M250J022 is a 330 µF, 250 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor manufactured by Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE) in a radial, can snap-in package. This component is classified as Active and is suitable for general-purpose applications requiring through-hole mounting. The part is specified with an operating temperature range of -40°C to 105°C and a rated lifetime of 3000 hours at 105°C. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified to provide design flexibility, accommodate supply chain variations, and support applications where alternative manufacturers or series variants meet the same electrical and mechanical requirements.

Substiute Parts

381LR331M250J022

Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE)In Stock: 1158381LR331M250J022 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

381LQ331M250H022

Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE)In Stock: 85806381LQ331M250H022 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

LGW2E331MELA25

NichiconIn Stock: 1251LGW2E331MELA25 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

LGU2E331MELA

NichiconIn Stock: 2244LGU2E331MELA Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

B43504C2337M000

EPCOS - TDK ElectronicsIn Stock: 1337B43504C2337M000 Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 381LR331M250J022 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Equivalence Criteria:

• Capacitance: 330 µF (exact match required)
• Voltage Rating: 250 V (exact match required)
• Tolerance: ±20% (exact match required)
• Polarization: Polar (exact match required)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole (exact match required)
• Package / Case: Radial, Can - Snap-In (exact match required)
• Lead Spacing: 10.00 mm (exact match required)
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to 105°C (exact match required)
• RoHS Status: ROHS3 Compliant (exact match required)

Allowable Variation Parameters:

• ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance): Variations permitted within component design tolerances
• Lifetime @ 105°C: Minimum 2000 hours acceptable; 3000 hours preferred
• Physical Dimensions (Diameter, Height): Variations permitted within snap-in package compatibility constraints
• Ripple Current Ratings: Variations permitted based on thermal design differences

Substitute parts are grouped by manufacturer and series designation. All identified substitutes maintain identical electrical specifications for capacitance, voltage, and tolerance while accommodating minor variations in ESR, lifetime, and physical dimensions that remain compatible with standard through-hole snap-in mounting applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

381LR331M250J022 (Cornell Dubilier Electronics - Primary Reference)

This part is Active and suitable for new designs. It provides a baseline specification with 3000-hour lifetime at 105°C and 452 mOhm ESR at 120Hz. Use this part number for applications requiring CDE manufacturer qualification or where the 381LR series is specified.

381LQ331M250H022 (Cornell Dubilier Electronics - CDE Alternative)

This part is Active and maintains identical electrical specifications to the primary reference. The 381LQ series offers reduced physical diameter (22.00 mm versus 25.00 mm) and lower ripple current ratings (1.2 A @ 120Hz versus 1.64 A). Lifetime is reduced to 2000 hours at 105°C. Use this substitute where space constraints permit smaller diameter packaging and reduced ripple current handling is acceptable.

LGW2E331MELA25 (Nichicon - Direct Equivalent)

This part is Active and provides equivalent performance with 3000-hour lifetime at 105°C. Physical dimensions match the primary reference (25.00 mm diameter, 32.00 mm height). Ripple current capability is higher (1.8 A @ 120Hz). Use this substitute for Nichicon-qualified designs or where higher ripple current capacity is beneficial.

LGU2E331MELA (Nichicon - Alternative)

This part is Active and provides 3000-hour lifetime at 105°C with identical electrical specifications. Physical dimensions are 25.00 mm diameter and 30.00 mm height (2 mm shorter than primary reference). Ripple current is 1.3 A @ 120Hz. Use this substitute where vertical space is constrained and Nichicon qualification is acceptable.

B43504C2337M000 (EPCOS - TDK Electronics - Legacy Part)

This part is marked "Not For New Designs" and should not be selected for new applications. It is retained in this reference for legacy system support only. The part provides 3000-hour lifetime at 105°C with lower ESR (390 mOhm @ 100Hz). Use only for replacement in existing systems where B43504 series parts are already deployed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 381LQ331M250H022 be used as a direct replacement for the 381LR331M250J022?

A: The 381LQ331M250H022 is electrically equivalent with identical capacitance, voltage, tolerance, and operating temperature range. However, it has a smaller diameter (22.00 mm versus 25.00 mm), lower ripple current rating (1.2 A @ 120Hz versus 1.64 A), and reduced lifetime (2000 hours versus 3000 hours at 105°C). Use this substitute only if the application tolerates these parameter reductions and the smaller physical footprint is compatible with the PCB layout.

Q: What is the difference between the Nichicon LGW2E331MELA25 and LGU2E331MELA?

A: Both Nichicon parts are electrically equivalent to the primary reference with 330 µF, 250 V, ±20% tolerance, and 3000-hour lifetime at 105°C. The LGW2E331MELA25 has a maximum seated height of 25.00 mm, while the LGU2E331MELA is 30.00 mm tall. The LGW2E331MELA25 provides higher ripple current (1.8 A @ 120Hz versus 1.3 A). Select based on available vertical space and ripple current requirements.

Q: Why is the B43504C2337M000 marked "Not For New Designs"?

A: The B43504C2337M000 is a legacy EPCOS part that is no longer recommended for new product development. It is included in this reference to support existing systems and legacy applications where this part number is already in use. For new designs, select from the Active parts: 381LR331M250J022, 381LQ331M250H022, LGW2E331MELA25, or LGU2E331MELA.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All parts listed in this reference, including the primary part and all substitutes, are ROHS3 Compliant. All parts are also REACH Unaffected and classified as EAR99 for export control purposes.

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

A: ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) affects ripple current handling and thermal performance. The primary reference 381LR331M250J022 has 452 mOhm ESR at 120Hz. The B43504C2337M000 has lower ESR (390 mOhm @ 100Hz), which provides better high-frequency performance. The 381LQ331M250H022 has higher ESR (502 mOhm @ 120Hz). ESR differences are within acceptable design tolerances for general-purpose applications but should be verified for high-ripple-current or high-frequency applications.

Q: Can these parts be used interchangeably in existing PCB designs?

A: All substitute parts maintain identical lead spacing (10.00 mm) and through-hole mounting type, ensuring PCB footprint compatibility. However, physical diameter and height variations must be verified against available board space. The 381LQ331M250H022 has a smaller diameter (22.00 mm) that may fit in tighter spaces. The Nichicon LGW2E331MELA25 and LGU2E331MELA have different heights (25.00 mm and 30.00 mm respectively) compared to the primary reference (32.00 mm), which may affect vertical clearance in confined enclosures.

Q: What is the moisture sensitivity level for these capacitors?

A: The primary reference 381LR331M250J022 and the B43504C2337M000 have MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) of 1, indicating unlimited moisture sensitivity. The Nichicon parts (LGW2E331MELA25 and LGU2E331MELA) are listed as "Not Applicable" for MSL, indicating they do not require moisture-sensitive handling precautions. This difference does not affect electrical performance but may simplify storage and handling procedures for Nichicon parts.