APEM Inc. 5646AB9 Toggle Switch DPDT Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The APEM Inc. 5646AB9 is a panel-mount toggle switch with Double-Pole Double-Throw (DPDT) configuration, rated for 6A at 125V AC and 4A at 30V DC. This switch features a flatted brass nickel-plated actuator with solder lug termination and epoxy sealed terminals. The part is currently active and available in tray packaging with 975 units in stock.

Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary when the primary part becomes unavailable, when alternative packaging formats are required, or when design specifications allow for compatible alternatives from different manufacturers. This reference provides direct substitutes that maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility within specified parameter tolerances.

Substiute Parts

5646AB9

APEM Inc.In Stock: 9865646AB9 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

100DP1T6B11M1QEH

E-SwitchIn Stock: 1515100DP1T6B11M1QEH Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

2M1-DP1-T6-B1-M1QE

Carling TechnologiesIn Stock: 22302M1-DP1-T6-B1-M1QE Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

7201P3YZQE

C&KIn Stock: 9017201P3YZQE Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

M2022ES1W01

NKK SwitchesIn Stock: 698M2022ES1W01 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

M2022ES1W01/U

NKK SwitchesIn Stock: 1044M2022ES1W01/U Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution compatibility for the APEM Inc. 5646AB9 toggle switch is determined by the following critical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Requirements:

• Circuit configuration must be DPDT
• Switch function must be On-On
• Current rating must meet or exceed 6A AC / 4A DC requirements
• Voltage rating must support minimum 125V AC / 30V DC operation

Mechanical Compatibility Requirements:

• Mounting type must be Panel Mount
• Panel cutout diameter must accommodate 6.50mm or smaller circular opening
• Termination style must be Solder Lug
• Actuator type must be Flatted or Flat Anti-Rotation

Environmental & Compliance Requirements:

• Operating temperature range must encompass -40°C to 85°C minimum
• RoHS3 compliance required
• Epoxy sealed terminals required

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: Direct Equivalents (identical electrical and mechanical specifications) and Compatible Alternatives (meeting all critical parameters with minor variations in non-critical attributes such as electrical life cycles or actuator length within tolerance).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalents (Identical Specifications):

The NKK Switches M2022ES1W01/U and M2022ES1W01 are direct electrical and mechanical equivalents to the APEM 5646AB9, matching all critical parameters including 6A AC / 4A DC current ratings, 125V AC / 30V DC voltage ratings, 6.50mm panel cutout diameter, and 11.40mm actuator length. Both parts are ROHS3 compliant and feature epoxy sealed terminals. However, both NKK parts carry Obsolete status, indicating discontinued production. The M2022ES1W01/U is available in bulk packaging with 1,023 units in stock, while M2022ES1W01 is available in unspecified packaging with 669 units in stock.

Compatible Alternatives (Active Production):

The Carling Technologies 2M1-DP1-T6-B1-M1QE is an active production alternative that meets all electrical requirements with 5A AC/DC current rating (lower than the 6A AC specification but acceptable for applications not requiring the full 6A capacity). This part maintains 125V AC voltage rating, 50,000 cycle electrical life matching the APEM part, and includes IP67 ingress protection. Panel cutout diameter is 6.35mm, requiring a slightly smaller opening. ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected.

The E-Switch 100DP1T6B11M1QEH and C&K 7201P3YZQE are active production alternatives with 5A AC/DC current ratings and 120V AC voltage ratings. Both feature 6.35mm panel cutout diameters and ROHS3 compliance. The C&K part offers extended electrical life of 100,000 cycles but carries REACH Affected status. The E-Switch part provides 40,000 cycle electrical life with REACH Unaffected status.

Selection Criteria:

For applications requiring full 6A AC capacity and -40°C lower temperature limit, the APEM 5646AB9 remains the primary choice. When the APEM part is unavailable, the NKK M2022ES1W01/U provides identical specifications despite obsolete status. For new designs or when lower current ratings are acceptable, the Carling Technologies 2M1-DP1-T6-B1-M1QE is recommended as the preferred active production substitute, offering equivalent electrical life and additional IP67 environmental protection. The E-Switch and C&K alternatives are suitable for applications with 5A AC/DC requirements and standard environmental conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the NKK Switches M2022ES1W01/U be used as a direct replacement for the APEM 5646AB9?

A: Yes. The M2022ES1W01/U is a direct electrical and mechanical equivalent, matching the 6A AC / 4A DC current ratings, 125V AC / 30V DC voltage ratings, panel cutout diameter of 6.50mm, and actuator length of 11.40mm. Both parts feature identical termination style (solder lug), actuator type (flatted), and epoxy sealed terminals. The primary consideration is that the NKK part is obsolete, so long-term availability is limited.

Q: Why do the E-Switch and C&K alternatives have lower current ratings?

A: The E-Switch 100DP1T6B11M1QEH and C&K 7201P3YZQE are rated for 5A AC/DC, which is lower than the APEM 5646AB9 rating of 6A AC / 4A DC. These parts are compatible alternatives for applications that do not require the full 6A AC capacity. Selection depends on the actual current requirements of the application.

Q: What is the significance of the panel cutout diameter difference between 6.50mm and 6.35mm?

A: The APEM 5646AB9 requires a 6.50mm diameter circular panel opening. The E-Switch, Carling, and C&K alternatives require 6.35mm diameter openings. A 6.50mm opening will accommodate a 6.35mm panel cutout, but a 6.35mm opening cannot accommodate a 6.50mm cutout. Panel modification may be necessary when substituting to a smaller cutout diameter.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts, including the APEM 5646AB9, are ROHS3 compliant. The C&K 7201P3YZQE carries REACH Affected status, while all other parts are REACH Unaffected.

Q: What is the difference between the M2022ES1W01 and M2022ES1W01/U?

A: Both are NKK Switches DPDT toggle switches with identical electrical and mechanical specifications. The primary difference is packaging: M2022ES1W01/U is supplied in bulk packaging with 1,023 units in stock, while M2022ES1W01 has unspecified packaging with 669 units in stock. Both parts are obsolete.

Q: Which substitute part offers the longest electrical life?

A: The C&K 7201P3YZQE offers 100,000 electrical life cycles, compared to 50,000 cycles for the APEM 5646AB9 and Carling 2M1-DP1-T6-B1-M1QE. The NKK alternatives offer only 25,000 cycles, and the E-Switch alternative offers 40,000 cycles.

Q: Does the Carling Technologies 2M1-DP1-T6-B1-M1QE provide any additional features?

A: Yes. The Carling part includes IP67 ingress protection (dust tight and waterproof), which is not specified for the APEM 5646AB9 or other alternatives. This makes it suitable for applications requiring environmental sealing.

Q: What is the operating temperature range difference between the APEM part and substitutes?

A: The APEM 5646AB9 operates from -40°C to 85°C. All substitute parts operate from -30°C to 85°C. Applications requiring operation below -30°C must use the APEM part or verify alternative part suitability.

Q: Can I use the E-Switch 100DP1T6B11M1QEH in place of the APEM 5646AB9 without any modifications?

A: The E-Switch part requires a 6.35mm panel cutout diameter compared to the APEM requirement of 6.50mm. If your panel is drilled for 6.50mm, the opening must be modified to 6.35mm, or a larger bushing must be used. Electrically, the 5A AC/DC rating is lower than the APEM 6A AC / 4A DC specification.