C&K 7301K2CME2 Toggle Switch 3PDT Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The C&K 7301K2CME2 is a panel-mount toggle switch with 3PDT (three-pole, double-throw) circuit configuration, rated for 5A at 120V AC and 28V DC. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing system maintenance and new design implementations. The switch features a locking lever actuator with brass, chrome-plated construction and supports 100,000 electrical cycles over its operating temperature range of -30°C to 85°C.

Substiute Parts

7301K2CME2

C&KIn Stock: 10057301K2CME2 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

7301K2CSE2

C&KIn Stock: 11917301K2CSE2 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

1003P1T1B1M2QE

E-SwitchIn Stock: 8261003P1T1B1M2QE Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

1003P1T1B1M2QEH

E-SwitchIn Stock: 16771003P1T1B1M2QEH Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

34A3P11B1M2QT

Grayhill Inc.In Stock: 110134A3P11B1M2QT Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

34A3P11B3M2QT

Grayhill Inc.In Stock: 107234A3P11B3M2QT Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

A323P31DCQ

ElectroswitchIn Stock: 800A323P31DCQ Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 7301K2CME2 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

• Circuit configuration: 3PDT
• Switch function: On-On
• Current rating: 5A (AC/DC) minimum
• Voltage rating - AC: 120V minimum
• Voltage rating - DC: 28V
• Mounting type: Panel Mount
• Termination style: PC Pin
• Panel cutout dimensions: Circular - 6.35mm Dia
• Bushing thread: 1/4-40
• Operating temperature range: -30°C ~ 85°C minimum

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Direct Manufacturer Substitute (Same Manufacturer): Parts from C&K that maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications while offering improved product status or compliance characteristics.

Similar Manufacturer Substitutes (Cross-Manufacturer): Parts from alternative manufacturers (E-Switch, Grayhill Inc., Electroswitch) that meet or exceed the core electrical parameters and mechanical interface requirements. These parts may have variations in actuator type, actuator length, electrical life, or compliance status, but maintain functional equivalence within the specified parameter tolerances.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Manufacturer Substitute - Recommended for Compliance-Driven Applications:

The C&K 7301K2CSE2 is the primary substitute for the obsolete 7301K2CME2. This part maintains identical electrical ratings, mechanical interface dimensions, and actuator specifications while offering active product status and RoHS compliance. The transition from the non-compliant 7301K2CME2 to the 7301K2CSE2 eliminates regulatory risk for new designs and ongoing procurement. Both parts share the same base product number (7301K2) and feature identical locking lever actuators with 17.88mm length and 100,000-cycle electrical life.

Cross-Manufacturer Substitutes - For Applications Tolerant of Design Variations:

E-Switch 1003P1T1B1M2QE and 1003P1T1B1M2QEH, Grayhill 34A3P11B1M2QT and 34A3P11B3M2QT, and Electroswitch A323P31DCQ are functionally equivalent alternatives that meet the core electrical and mechanical requirements. These parts are suitable for applications where:

• Actuator type variation (standard round or flatted vs. locking lever) is acceptable
• Reduced actuator length (10.41mm to 12.19mm vs. 17.88mm) is compatible with panel geometry
• Lower electrical life ratings (40,000 to 60,000 cycles vs. 100,000 cycles) align with application duty cycles
• Higher AC voltage ratings (125V vs. 120V) provide margin in the electrical specification

All cross-manufacturer substitutes carry active product status and RoHS compliance certifications, supporting long-term supply chain stability.

Compliance Considerations:

The 7301K2CME2 is RoHS non-compliant. All substitute parts listed are RoHS compliant or ROHS3 compliant, making them suitable for applications subject to RoHS directives. The 7301K2CSE2 is REACH Affected, while E-Switch and Grayhill parts are REACH Unaffected. Electroswitch A323P31DCQ has undefined REACH status and should be evaluated against specific regulatory requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 7301K2CSE2 be used as a direct replacement for the 7301K2CME2?

A: Yes. The 7301K2CSE2 is a direct substitute with identical electrical ratings (5A, 120V AC, 28V DC), circuit configuration (3PDT), mechanical interface (6.35mm circular cutout, 1/4-40 bushing thread), and actuator specifications (locking lever, 17.88mm length). The primary differences are product status (active vs. obsolete) and RoHS compliance (compliant vs. non-compliant). No design modifications are required.

Q: What are the key differences between the C&K 7301K2CSE2 and the E-Switch 1003P1T1B1M2QE?

A: Both parts share identical electrical specifications (5A, 120V AC, 28V DC, 3PDT, On-On function) and mechanical interface (panel mount, PC pin termination, 6.35mm cutout, 1/4-40 bushing). The primary differences are: (1) actuator type—C&K uses a locking lever while E-Switch uses a standard round actuator; (2) actuator length—C&K 17.88mm vs. E-Switch 10.41mm; (3) electrical life—C&K 100,000 cycles vs. E-Switch 40,000 cycles. These differences may affect panel aesthetics, operator feel, and long-term reliability in high-cycle applications.

Q: Are the Grayhill 34A3P11B1M2QT and 34A3P11B3M2QT interchangeable?

A: Both Grayhill parts meet the electrical requirements and share identical circuit configuration, current rating, voltage ratings, and mechanical interface. The primary difference is actuator length: 34A3P11B1M2QT has 10.41mm length while 34A3P11B3M2QT has 12.19mm length. Selection depends on panel depth and operator preference. Both are functionally equivalent for electrical performance.

Q: Why does the Electroswitch A323P31DCQ have a higher current rating (6A vs. 5A)?

A: The A323P31DCQ is rated for 6A (AC/DC) compared to the 7301K2CME2 at 5A. This higher rating provides additional current capacity margin and does not prevent substitution in applications requiring 5A or less. The part remains suitable for the specified application while offering enhanced electrical headroom.

Q: What is the impact of reduced electrical life in cross-manufacturer substitutes?

A: The 7301K2CME2 is rated for 100,000 electrical cycles, while E-Switch and Grayhill substitutes are rated for 40,000 cycles, and Electroswitch for 60,000 cycles. Selection should be based on application duty cycle. For applications with infrequent switching operations, the reduced cycle rating is not a limiting factor. For high-frequency switching applications, the C&K 7301K2CSE2 with 100,000-cycle rating is preferred.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts carry RoHS compliance certifications (RoHS Compliant or ROHS3 Compliant), unlike the original 7301K2CME2 which is RoHS non-compliant. This compliance status is mandatory for applications subject to RoHS directives and recommended for new designs to ensure regulatory alignment and supply chain continuity.

Q: Can the A323P31DCQ be used if the panel cutout dimensions are not specified?

A: The A323P31DCQ does not specify panel cutout dimensions in the provided data. All other substitutes specify circular 6.35mm diameter cutouts matching the original part. Before selecting the A323P31DCQ, confirm that its mechanical interface is compatible with the existing panel geometry and mounting hardware.