381LX331M180H022 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 381LX331M180H022 is a 330 µF, 180 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor manufactured by Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE) in a radial, can snap-in package. This component is rated for 3000 hours at 105°C and is designed for general-purpose applications requiring through-hole mounting. The part is currently active in production and ROHS3 compliant.

Substitute parts are necessary when the original manufacturer discontinues production, when inventory becomes unavailable, or when design requirements call for enhanced performance characteristics such as higher voltage ratings or extended operational lifetime.

Substiute Parts

381LX331M180H022

Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE)In Stock: 1024381LX331M180H022 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

LGU2Z331MELZ

NichiconIn Stock: 1270LGU2Z331MELZ Datasheet

DirectRFQ

250MXG330MEFCSN22X30

RubyconIn Stock: 656871250MXG330MEFCSN22X30 Datasheet

UpgradeRFQ

B43504A2337M000

EPCOS - TDK ElectronicsIn Stock: 2040B43504A2337M000 Datasheet

UpgradeRFQ

LGN2E331MELZ30

NichiconIn Stock: 802LGN2E331MELZ30 Datasheet

UpgradeRFQ

LGR2D331MELZ30

NichiconIn Stock: 954LGR2D331MELZ30 Datasheet

UpgradeRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of aluminum electrolytic capacitors is determined by strict equivalence across the following parameters:

Critical Parameters for Direct Substitution:

• Capacitance value (330 µF)
• Tolerance (±20%)
• Voltage rating (180 V minimum)
• Polarization (Polar)
• Lead spacing (0.394" / 10.00mm)
• Can diameter (0.866" / 22.00mm)
• Mounting type (Through Hole, Radial, Can - Snap-In)
• Operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 105°C)

Parameters Allowing Upgrade Substitution:

• Voltage rating (higher voltage ratings are acceptable)
• Lifetime at temperature (extended lifetime is acceptable)
• Ripple current capability (higher values are acceptable)

The substitute parts listed below maintain mechanical and electrical compatibility while offering equivalent or enhanced performance characteristics.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalent (Same Voltage Rating):

LGU2Z331MELZ (Nichicon) is a direct equivalent to the 381LX331M180H022. Both components share identical capacitance, tolerance, voltage rating, and lifetime specifications. The LGU2Z331MELZ features a reduced seated height of 0.984" (25.00mm) compared to the original 1.260" (32.00mm), which may provide space advantages in compact designs. This part is currently active in production and ROHS3 compliant.

Upgrade Options (Higher Voltage Rating):

250MXG330MEFCSN22X30 (Rubycon) and LGN2E331MELZ30 (Nichicon) both provide 250 V ratings, offering enhanced voltage margin over the original 180 V specification. Both maintain identical capacitance, tolerance, and lifetime ratings. These upgrades are suitable for applications requiring increased voltage headroom. Both parts are active in production and ROHS3 compliant.

LGR2D331MELZ30 (Nichicon) provides a 200 V rating with extended lifetime of 10000 hours at 105°C, compared to the original 3000 hours. This part is recommended for applications requiring enhanced reliability and extended operational life. The part is active in production and ROHS3 compliant.

Not Recommended for New Designs:

B43504A2337M000 (EPCOS - TDK Electronics) carries a product status of "Not For New Designs." While this part maintains mechanical and electrical compatibility with a 200 V rating, its discontinued design status makes it unsuitable for new product development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use LGU2Z331MELZ as a direct replacement for 381LX331M180H022?

A: Yes. LGU2Z331MELZ is a direct equivalent with identical capacitance (330 µF), tolerance (±20%), voltage rating (180 V), and lifetime (3000 Hrs @ 105°C). The primary difference is a reduced seated height of 0.984" (25.00mm) versus 1.260" (32.00mm), which may provide space advantages depending on PCB layout constraints.

Q: What is the difference between direct equivalents and upgrade substitutes?

A: Direct equivalents maintain all electrical and mechanical specifications of the original part. Upgrade substitutes provide enhanced performance characteristics such as higher voltage ratings (250 V or 200 V versus 180 V) or extended lifetime (10000 hours versus 3000 hours). Upgrades are electrically compatible but offer additional design margin.

Q: Can I use a 250 V rated capacitor in place of a 180 V rated capacitor?

A: Yes. Higher voltage-rated capacitors are electrically compatible with lower voltage applications. The 250 V rated parts (250MXG330MEFCSN22X30 and LGN2E331MELZ30) can be used in 180 V circuits, providing increased voltage margin and design safety.

Q: Why does LGU2Z331MELZ have a different seated height?

A: LGU2Z331MELZ features a seated height of 0.984" (25.00mm) compared to the original 1.260" (32.00mm). This reduced height is a design characteristic of the Nichicon LGU series and does not affect electrical performance. Verify PCB clearance and mounting space before selection.

Q: Is B43504A2337M000 suitable for new product designs?

A: No. B43504A2337M000 carries a product status of "Not For New Designs." While mechanically and electrically compatible, this EPCOS - TDK part should not be used in new development. Select from active production alternatives such as LGU2Z331MELZ, LGN2E331MELZ30, or LGR2D331MELZ30.

Q: What is the advantage of LGR2D331MELZ30 over other substitutes?

A: LGR2D331MELZ30 provides extended lifetime of 10000 hours at 105°C, compared to 3000 hours for most alternatives. This extended operational life is suitable for applications requiring enhanced reliability and reduced maintenance intervals. The part maintains a 200 V rating and is active in production.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant. The original 381LX331M180H022 and all equivalent and upgrade alternatives meet ROHS3 environmental compliance requirements.

Q: Can I use these capacitors in applications with operating temperatures below -40°C?

A: No. All listed parts, including the original 381LX331M180H022, are rated for operating temperatures from -40°C to 105°C. Applications requiring lower temperature operation require alternative component selection outside this series.