TE Connectivity 5-555417-2 Modular Connector Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity 5-555417-2 is an 8-position 8-contact (8P8C) unshielded modular plug connector, commonly known as an RJ45 Ethernet connector. This component is designed for flat oval cable and solid wire termination using Insulation Displacement Contact (IDC) technology. The connector is rated for Cat3 applications and features a keyed design with gold-plated contacts.

The 5-555417-2 is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of equivalent substitute components for ongoing procurement and system maintenance. Substitute parts must maintain compatibility with the original connector's mechanical and electrical specifications while accommodating available inventory and current product status.

Substiute Parts

5-555417-2

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 7385-555417-2 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

5-554720-3

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 10085-554720-3 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 5-555417-2 is determined by the following critical parameters that must remain constant or compatible:

Fixed Parameters (Must Match):

• Connector Type: Plug
• Number of Positions/Contacts: 8P8C (RJ45, Ethernet)
• Shielding: Unshielded
• Termination Method: IDC
• Cable Type: Flat Oval Cable, Solid Wires
• Contact Finish: Gold
• Contact Finish Thickness: 50.0µin (1.27µm)
• Housing Material: Polycarbonate (PC)
• Color: Translucent - Clear
• MSL: 1 (Unlimited)

Variable Parameters (Allowable Variation):

• Ratings: Cat3 to Cat5 (higher category ratings are backward compatible with lower category applications)
• Length: Minor dimensional variation (0.850" to 0.885")
• Housing Material Composition: PC or PC Glass Filled
• Keyed Feature: Present or absent
• Wire Gauge: 24-26 AWG (when specified)
• Contact Material: Phosphor Bronze or equivalent

The substitute part 5-554720-3 meets all fixed parameter requirements and represents an acceptable equivalent with an upgraded Cat5 rating and compatible dimensional specifications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute: TE Connectivity 5-554720-3

The 5-554720-3 is the designated equivalent for the obsolete 5-555417-2. This substitution is based on the following engineering criteria:

Mechanical Compatibility: The 5-554720-3 maintains identical connector type, contact count, and termination method. The length differential of 0.035" (0.89mm) is within acceptable tolerance for modular connector applications and does not affect functional compatibility with standard RJ45 receptacles or cable assemblies.

Electrical Compatibility: Both connectors feature identical contact finish specifications (gold, 50.0µin thickness) and unshielded configuration. The Cat5 rating of the substitute part exceeds the Cat3 requirement of the original part, providing enhanced performance capability while maintaining backward compatibility with Cat3 applications.

Compliance and Certification: Both parts share identical RoHS status (Not applicable), ECCN classification (EAR99), and MSL rating (1 - Unlimited), ensuring equivalent compliance posture for procurement and deployment.

Availability Consideration: The 5-554720-3 is currently available with 956 units in stock, compared to 684 units of the obsolete 5-555417-2. The substitute part status is listed as discontinued at DiGi Electronics, indicating limited future availability. Procurement planning should account for this constraint.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 5-554720-3 directly replace the 5-555417-2 in existing applications?

A: Yes. The 5-554720-3 is mechanically and electrically compatible with the 5-555417-2. Both connectors are 8P8C unshielded modular plugs with IDC termination, identical contact finish specifications, and compatible housing materials. The Cat5 rating of the substitute part is backward compatible with Cat3 applications.

Q: What is the significance of the length difference between the two parts?

A: The 5-555417-2 measures 0.885" (22.48mm) while the 5-554720-3 measures 0.850" (21.59mm), a difference of 0.035" (0.89mm). This dimensional variation is within standard tolerance for modular connector applications and does not affect compatibility with standard RJ45 receptacles or cable assemblies.

Q: Why does the 5-554720-3 have a Cat5 rating instead of Cat3?

A: The Cat5 rating represents an enhanced performance specification that exceeds the original Cat3 requirement. Higher category ratings are backward compatible with lower category applications, meaning Cat5 connectors can be used in Cat3 systems without performance degradation. This upgrade provides improved signal integrity margins.

Q: Are there any differences in housing material between the two parts?

A: The 5-555417-2 housing is specified as Polycarbonate (PC) Glass Filled, while the 5-554720-3 housing is Polycarbonate (PC) without glass fill. Both materials are compatible with the IDC termination method and provide equivalent mechanical performance for modular connector applications.

Q: What is the contact material of the 5-554720-3?

A: The 5-554720-3 uses Phosphor Bronze as the contact material. The contact material of the 5-555417-2 is not specified in the available documentation. Both parts feature identical gold plating specifications (50.0µin thickness), ensuring equivalent contact performance.

Q: Are both parts RoHS compliant?

A: Both the 5-555417-2 and 5-554720-3 have RoHS status listed as "Not applicable," indicating these parts fall outside the scope of RoHS regulations. Both parts share identical ECCN classification (EAR99) and MSL rating (1 - Unlimited).

Q: What wire gauge is compatible with the 5-554720-3?

A: The 5-554720-3 is specified for 24-26 AWG solid wires with flat oval cable termination using IDC technology. The wire gauge specification for the 5-555417-2 is not provided in the available documentation.

Q: Should I be concerned about the product status of the substitute part?

A: The 5-554720-3 is listed as discontinued at DiGi Electronics, indicating limited future availability. While currently in stock with 956 units available, procurement planning should account for potential supply constraints. The 5-555417-2, classified as obsolete, has even more limited availability with 684 units in stock.