Equivalent & Substitute Parts for 381LX331M250H042

Part Overview

The Cornell Dubilier Electronics 381LX331M250H042 is a 330 µF, 250 V aluminum electrolytic capacitor in radial, can snap-in configuration. This part is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent and substitute components for ongoing applications. The 381LX series delivers 3000 hours lifetime at 105°C with general-purpose performance characteristics suitable for industrial and commercial power supply circuits.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Capacitance	330 µF
Voltage Rating	250 V
Tolerance	±20%
Lifetime @ 105°C	3000 Hrs
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C to 105°C
Polarization	Polar
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package Type	Radial, Can - Snap-In
Lead Spacing	0.394" (10.00 mm)
Ripple Current @ 120 Hz	1.2 A
Ripple Current @ 20 kHz	1.7 A
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Primary Matching Criteria:

Capacitance: 330 µF (exact match required)
Voltage Rating: 250 V (exact match required)
Tolerance: ±20% (exact match required)
Polarization: Polar (exact match required)
Package Type: Radial, Can - Snap-In (exact match required)
Lead Spacing: 0.394" (10.00 mm) (exact match required)
Mounting Type: Through Hole (exact match required)

Secondary Compatibility Parameters:

Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to 105°C (minimum requirement)
Lifetime @ 105°C: 3000 Hrs or greater (minimum requirement)
Ripple Current @ 120 Hz: 1.2 A or greater (minimum requirement)

Dimensional Considerations:

Can Diameter: Physical size variations permitted within mechanical envelope constraints
Height: Physical height variations permitted provided snap-in mounting compatibility is maintained

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: Direct Equivalents (identical electrical and mechanical specifications) and Similar Alternatives (equivalent electrical performance with dimensional variations).

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Series	Capacitance	Voltage	Tolerance	Lifetime @ 105°C	Can Diameter	Height (Max)	Status
381LX331M250H042	Cornell Dubilier	381LX	330 µF	250 V	±20%	3000 Hrs	0.866" (22.00 mm)	1.654" (42.00 mm)	Obsolete
381LQ331M250H022	Cornell Dubilier	381LQ	330 µF	250 V	±20%	2000 Hrs	0.866" (22.00 mm)	1.260" (32.00 mm)	Active
381LX331M250H022	Cornell Dubilier	381LX	330 µF	250 V	±20%	3000 Hrs	0.866" (22.00 mm)	1.260" (32.00 mm)	Active
381LR331M250J022	Cornell Dubilier	381LR	330 µF	250 V	±20%	3000 Hrs	0.984" (25.00 mm)	1.260" (32.00 mm)	Active
381LX331M250J022	Cornell Dubilier	381LX	330 µF	250 V	±20%	3000 Hrs	0.984" (25.00 mm)	1.260" (32.00 mm)	Active
LP331M250E3P3	Cornell Dubilier	LP	330 µF	250 V	±20%	1000 Hrs	1.181" (30.00 mm)	1.181" (30.00 mm)	Active
B43504B2337M80	EPCOS - TDK Electronics	B43504	330 µF	250 V	±20%	3000 Hrs	0.866" (22.00 mm)	1.661" (42.20 mm)	Active
B43504B2337M87	EPCOS - TDK Electronics	B43504	330 µF	250 V	±20%	3000 Hrs	0.866" (22.00 mm)	1.661" (42.20 mm)	Active
LGN2E331MELZ30	Nichicon	LGN	330 µF	250 V	±20%	3000 Hrs	0.866" (22.00 mm)	1.260" (32.00 mm)	Active
LGR2E331MELZ40	Nichicon	LGR	330 µF	250 V	±20%	10000 Hrs	0.866" (22.00 mm)	1.654" (42.00 mm)	Active
LGU2E331MELZ	Nichicon	LGU	330 µF	250 V	±20%	3000 Hrs	0.866" (22.00 mm)	1.575" (40.00 mm)	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalent (Preferred Primary Substitute):

381LX331M250H022 (Cornell Dubilier, Active) is the primary recommended substitute. This part maintains identical electrical specifications (330 µF, 250 V, ±20%, 3000 Hrs @ 105°C) and mechanical compatibility (0.394" lead spacing, radial snap-in package). The reduced height (1.260" vs. 1.654") provides improved board layout flexibility while maintaining full functional equivalence. ROHS3 compliance and RoHS certification status are identical.

Extended Lifetime Alternative:

LGR2E331MELZ40 (Nichicon, Active) provides superior reliability with 10000 hours lifetime at 105°C, compared to 3000 hours for the original part. Electrical parameters remain identical. Physical dimensions match the original part exactly (0.866" diameter, 1.654" height). This option is suitable for applications requiring extended operational life or higher reliability margins. ROHS3 compliant.

Compact Form Factor Alternative:

LGN2E331MELZ30 (Nichicon, Active) delivers equivalent electrical performance with reduced height (1.260" vs. 1.654"), enabling space-constrained applications. Maintains 3000 hours lifetime at 105°C and identical electrical specifications. ROHS3 compliant.

Cross-Manufacturer Equivalents:

B43504B2337M80 and B43504B2337M87 (EPCOS - TDK Electronics, Active) provide equivalent performance from an alternative manufacturer. Both deliver 3000 hours lifetime at 105°C with identical electrical ratings. Physical dimensions closely match the original part (0.866" diameter, 1.661" height). ROHS3 compliant.

Dimensional Considerations:

Parts with larger can diameters (381LR331M250J022, 381LX331M250J022, LP331M250E3P3) maintain electrical equivalence but require verification of mechanical fit within the target application's physical constraints. Lead spacing remains constant at 0.394" (10.00 mm) across all substitutes.

Compliance Status:

All recommended substitutes maintain ROHS3 compliance, REACH unaffected status, and EAR99 export classification consistent with the original part.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can 381LX331M250H022 be used as a direct replacement for 381LX331M250H042?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical electrical specifications (330 µF, 250 V, ±20%, 3000 Hrs @ 105°C) and mechanical compatibility (0.394" lead spacing, radial snap-in package). The primary difference is height: 1.260" versus 1.654". This reduced height provides improved board layout flexibility without compromising electrical performance or reliability.

Q: What is the significance of the height difference between substitute parts?

A: Height variations affect physical mounting envelope and clearance requirements. The original 381LX331M250H042 measures 1.654" in height. Shorter alternatives (1.260") reduce vertical space requirements, while longer alternatives (1.661" to 1.575") remain within comparable ranges. Verify mechanical fit within your specific application before selection.

Q: Why does LGR2E331MELZ40 have a 10000-hour lifetime instead of 3000 hours?

A: LGR2E331MELZ40 represents an enhanced reliability variant from Nichicon. The extended lifetime reflects superior internal construction and materials. This part is electrically and mechanically equivalent to the original but provides greater operational margin for applications requiring extended service life or higher reliability standards.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All recommended substitutes maintain ROHS3 compliance status identical to the original 381LX331M250H042. All parts are REACH unaffected and classified as EAR99 for export purposes.

Q: Can I use LP331M250E3P3 as a substitute despite its larger diameter?

A: LP331M250E3P3 maintains electrical equivalence (330 µF, 250 V, ±20%) but features a larger can diameter (1.181" vs. 0.866") and reduced lifetime (1000 Hrs vs. 3000 Hrs @ 105°C). This part is suitable only if your application's physical envelope accommodates the larger diameter and if the reduced lifetime meets your operational requirements. Mechanical fit verification is mandatory.

Q: What is the difference between Cornell Dubilier 381LQ and 381LX series?

A: Both series deliver 330 µF, 250 V specifications with ±20% tolerance. The primary distinction is lifetime: 381LQ provides 2000 hours at 105°C, while 381LX provides 3000 hours. For applications requiring the original 3000-hour specification, 381LX series parts are the appropriate selection.

Q: Are EPCOS B43504 parts suitable for direct replacement?

A: Yes. B43504B2337M80 and B43504B2337M87 provide equivalent electrical performance (330 µF, 250 V, ±20%, 3000 Hrs @ 105°C) from an alternative manufacturer. Physical dimensions closely match the original part. These parts are suitable for applications where cross-manufacturer sourcing is acceptable.

Q: What parameters must remain identical for a part to be considered a true substitute?

A: True substitutes must maintain exact equivalence in: capacitance (330 µF), voltage rating (250 V), tolerance (±20%), polarization (polar), package type (radial snap-in), lead spacing (0.394"), and mounting type (through hole). Lifetime and physical dimensions may vary within specified ranges provided mechanical fit is verified.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message