TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 4-1877846-6 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 4-1877846-6 is a 6-position circular connector plug with male pins and solder cup termination, designed for medical applications. This connector is part of the Medical CPC series and maintains active product status with 873 pieces in current inventory. The connector features gold-plated mating contacts, thermoplastic shell construction, and operates across a temperature range of -50°C to 170°C with a current rating of 6A at 300VAC.

Substitute parts become necessary when addressing specific application requirements such as enhanced ingress protection, different fastening mechanisms, extended temperature ranges, or alternative packaging availability. The substitute identified maintains functional compatibility through equivalent pin configuration, termination method, and contact material specifications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Significance for Substitution
Connector Type	Plug, Male Pins	Defines mating interface and pin gender
Number of Positions	6	Determines pin count and circuit capacity
Termination Method	Solder Cup	Specifies wire attachment mechanism
Contact Finish	Gold	Ensures corrosion resistance and conductivity
Contact Material	Copper Alloy	Provides electrical conductivity and durability
Current Rating	6A	Establishes maximum safe current capacity
Voltage Rating	300VAC	Defines maximum operating voltage
Mounting Type	Free Hanging (In-Line)	Specifies connector orientation and installation method
Shell Material	Thermoplastic	Determines mechanical durability and environmental resistance
RoHS Compliance	RoHS Compliant	Ensures regulatory compliance for restricted substances

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The substitute part EN3C6MX from Switchcraft Inc. qualifies as a functional equivalent based on the following critical parameters:

Matching Core Specifications:

6-position circular connector configuration
Male pin connector type
Solder cup termination method
Gold-plated mating contacts
Copper alloy contact material
Free hanging in-line mounting
Thermoplastic shell construction
RoHS compliance status (ROHS3 Compliant)
Unlimited moisture sensitivity level (MSL 1)
EAR99 export classification
Identical HTSUS commodity code (8536.69.4020)

Operational Parameter Ranges: The substitute part operates within overlapping electrical specifications. The EN3C6MX provides 7.5A current rating (exceeding the 6A requirement) and 250VAC/DC voltage rating (within acceptable range for 300VAC applications). Both connectors utilize copper alloy contacts with gold plating for equivalent signal integrity and corrosion resistance.

Differentiation Factors: The EN3C6MX introduces enhanced ingress protection (IP66/IP68), bayonet lock fastening (versus latch lock), keyed orientation, and extended material flammability certification (UL94 V-0). Operating temperature range differs, with the substitute rated -40°C to 65°C compared to the main part's -50°C to 170°C specification.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	4-1877846-6 (TE Connectivity)	EN3C6MX (Switchcraft Inc.)	Compatibility Notes
Connector Type	Plug, Male Pins	Plug, Male Pins	Identical
Number of Positions	6	6	Identical
Termination	Solder Cup	Solder Cup	Identical
Contact Finish - Mating	Gold	Gold	Identical
Contact Material	Copper Alloy	Copper Alloy	Identical
Current Rating (Amps)	6A	7.5A	Substitute exceeds requirement
Voltage Rating	300VAC	250VAC/DC	Substitute rated lower; verify application requirements
Mounting Type	Free Hanging (In-Line)	Free Hanging (In-Line)	Identical
Shell Material	Thermoplastic	Thermoplastic	Identical
Primary Material	Plastic	Plastic	Identical
Fastening Type	Latch Lock	Bayonet Lock	Different; affects mating interface
Orientation	80°	Keyed	Different; affects connector alignment
Operating Temperature	-50°C ~ 170°C	-40°C ~ 65°C	Substitute has narrower range; verify thermal requirements
Ingress Protection	Not specified	IP66/IP68	Substitute provides enhanced environmental sealing
RoHS Status	RoHS Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	Both compliant; substitute meets current standard
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)	Identical
Cable Opening	0.209" ~ 0.256" (5.30mm ~ 6.50mm)	0.160" ~ 0.265" (4.06mm ~ 6.73mm)	Overlapping ranges; substitute accommodates wider cable diameter tolerance

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Part Selection (4-1877846-6): Select the TE Connectivity AMP Connectors 4-1877846-6 for applications requiring the full operating temperature range of -50°C to 170°C, particularly in medical device environments where thermal extremes are encountered. This part maintains active product status with established supply availability (873 pieces in stock). The latch lock fastening mechanism and 80° orientation provide the specified mechanical interface. RoHS compliance ensures regulatory alignment for restricted substance requirements.

Substitute Part Selection (EN3C6MX): The Switchcraft Inc. EN3C6MX serves as a functional substitute when applications require enhanced environmental protection through IP66/IP68 ingress protection ratings. This substitute is appropriate for instrumentation, marine, and general-purpose applications where moisture and dust resistance exceed the primary part's specifications. The bayonet lock fastening and keyed orientation provide alternative mechanical interfaces suitable for specific connector housing designs.

Critical Selection Criteria:

Verify operating temperature requirements do not exceed -40°C to 65°C range for the substitute
Confirm voltage requirements do not exceed 250VAC/DC for the substitute
Assess fastening mechanism compatibility with mating connector housing (latch lock versus bayonet lock)
Evaluate orientation requirements (80° fixed versus keyed configuration)
Confirm cable diameter compatibility with specified cable opening ranges

Both parts maintain identical pin configuration, termination method, contact material, and compliance certifications, establishing functional equivalence for 6-position solder cup circular connector applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the EN3C6MX substitute directly replace the 4-1877846-6 in all applications?

A: Direct substitution requires verification of three critical parameters: operating temperature range (substitute limited to -40°C to 65°C), voltage rating (substitute rated 250VAC/DC versus 300VAC), and fastening mechanism compatibility (bayonet lock versus latch lock). Applications operating within these constraints and using compatible mating connectors support direct substitution.

Q: What is the significance of the different fastening types (latch lock versus bayonet lock)?

A: Fastening type determines the mechanical coupling method between plug and receptacle connectors. Latch lock uses spring-loaded latches for quick-disconnect capability, while bayonet lock uses rotational coupling. The mating connector housing must accommodate the specific fastening mechanism; incompatible fastening types prevent proper mating regardless of electrical equivalence.

Q: How do the orientation specifications (80° versus keyed) affect connector compatibility?

A: Orientation specification defines the angular relationship between connector pins and the mating interface. The 80° orientation on the primary part specifies a fixed angular position, while the keyed orientation on the substitute uses a mechanical key to enforce correct alignment. Mating connector housings are designed for specific orientation types; mismatched orientations prevent proper connector engagement.

Q: Are both parts suitable for medical device applications?

A: The primary part 4-1877846-6 is explicitly designated for medical applications within the Medical CPC series. The substitute EN3C6MX lists medical applications among its general-purpose, instrumentation, and marine applications. Medical device integration requires verification of specific regulatory requirements, biocompatibility standards, and application-specific certifications beyond the electrical and mechanical parameters provided.

Q: What is the practical difference in current and voltage ratings between these parts?

A: The substitute EN3C6MX provides 7.5A current capacity compared to the primary part's 6A rating, representing a 25% increase in current-carrying capability. However, the substitute's voltage rating of 250VAC/DC is lower than the primary part's 300VAC specification. Applications operating at 300VAC require the primary part; applications operating at or below 250VAC can utilize the substitute's enhanced current capacity.

Q: How do the cable opening specifications affect wire termination?

A: Cable opening specifications define the acceptable range of cable diameters that can be inserted into the solder cup termination. The primary part accepts 5.30mm to 6.50mm diameter cables, while the substitute accepts 4.06mm to 6.73mm diameter cables. The substitute's wider lower tolerance accommodates thinner cables, while both parts support the same maximum cable diameter. Wire gauge selection must fall within the specified cable opening range for proper solder cup engagement.

Q: What does the IP66/IP68 ingress protection rating on the substitute provide?

A: IP66/IP68 ratings indicate dust-tight and water-resistant/waterproof performance. IP66 provides complete dust protection and water jet resistance, while IP68 adds submersion capability. The primary part does not specify ingress protection ratings. Applications requiring environmental sealing against moisture and particulate contamination benefit from the substitute's enhanced protection specifications.

Q: Are there inventory or packaging differences between these parts?

A: The primary part 4-1877846-6 has 873 pieces in current inventory with unspecified packaging. The substitute EN3C6MX has 2649 pieces available in bulk packaging. Bulk packaging typically indicates larger quantity availability per unit, potentially affecting procurement lead times and minimum order quantities for high-volume applications.

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