APEM Inc. 8642AB Pushbutton Switch DPDT Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The APEM Inc. 8642AB is a DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw) pushbutton switch rated for 6A at 125V AC and 4A at 30V DC. This panel-mount rear actuator switch operates in On-Momentary mode with a plunger actuator and solder lug termination. The part is currently active in production with 919 units in stock. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified to support procurement flexibility, inventory management, and supply chain continuity for applications requiring DPDT pushbutton switching functionality.

Substiute Parts

8642AB

APEM Inc.In Stock: 10218642AB Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

8221MDZGE

C&KIn Stock: 7508221MDZGE Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

8221SDZGE

C&KIn Stock: 8308221SDZGE Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the 8642AB are identified based on the following critical parameters that determine functional compatibility:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

• Circuit configuration: DPDT
• Switch function: On-Momentary
• Mounting type: Panel Mount, Rear
• Termination style: Solder Lug
• Actuator type: Plunger-based
• Panel cutout diameter: Circular 6.35mm to 6.50mm (compatible mechanical fit)

Secondary Considerations:

• Current and voltage ratings must meet or exceed application requirements
• Operating temperature range must encompass the intended environment
• RoHS3 compliance status for regulatory alignment

The identified substitutes (C&K 8221MDZGE and 8221SDZGE) share the core DPDT circuit topology, On-Momentary function, panel-mount rear configuration, and solder lug termination. Both substitutes feature compatible panel cutout dimensions (6.35mm) and maintain ROHS3 compliance. However, substitutes operate at reduced current ratings (1A AC/DC versus 6A AC/4A DC) and lower voltage ratings (120V AC/28V DC versus 125V AC/30V DC), requiring application-level verification that load requirements do not exceed substitute specifications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

APEM Inc. 8642AB is the primary specification for applications requiring 6A AC or 4A DC switching capacity with extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C). This part maintains active production status and ROHS3 compliance.

C&K 8221SDZGE (Bulk packaging) is the preferred substitute when current and voltage requirements do not exceed 1A AC/DC at 120V AC or 28V DC. This part matches the bulk packaging format of the primary part and maintains ROHS3 compliance. Operating temperature range is -30°C to 75°C.

C&K 8221MDZGE (Tray packaging) is an alternative substitute with identical electrical specifications to the 8221SDZGE but supplied in tray packaging. Selection of this variant depends on procurement and inventory management requirements.

All three parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and are suitable for applications within their respective electrical and thermal specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can C&K 8221MDZGE or 8221SDZGE directly replace APEM 8642AB in all applications?

A: Direct replacement is limited to applications where load current does not exceed 1A AC/DC and voltage does not exceed 120V AC or 28V DC. The C&K substitutes are rated at one-sixth the current capacity of the 8642AB. Applications requiring 6A AC or 4A DC switching must use the APEM 8642AB or equivalent high-current DPDT switches.

Q: What is the difference between C&K 8221MDZGE and 8221SDZGE?

A: Both parts are electrically identical DPDT pushbutton switches with the same current ratings (1A AC/DC), voltage ratings (120V AC/28V DC), and operating specifications. The primary difference is packaging: 8221MDZGE is supplied in tray format, while 8221SDZGE is supplied in bulk format. Selection depends on procurement and inventory management requirements.

Q: Are the panel cutout dimensions compatible between the 8642AB and C&K substitutes?

A: The APEM 8642AB requires a 6.50mm circular panel cutout, while both C&K substitutes require a 6.35mm circular cutout. The 0.15mm difference is within typical mechanical tolerance for panel-mount switches. Existing panel cutouts designed for 6.50mm will accommodate the 6.35mm C&K parts with minimal clearance.

Q: Do all three parts meet RoHS compliance requirements?

A: Yes. The APEM 8642AB, C&K 8221MDZGE, and C&K 8221SDZGE are all ROHS3 compliant.

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

A: The APEM 8642AB operates from -40°C to 85°C, providing a 10°C lower minimum and 10°C higher maximum compared to the C&K substitutes (-30°C to 75°C). Applications requiring operation below -30°C or above 75°C must use the APEM 8642AB.

Q: Which substitute has longer electrical life?

A: Both C&K substitutes (8221MDZGE and 8221SDZGE) are rated for 60,000 electrical cycles, compared to 30,000 cycles for the APEM 8642AB. This represents a 2x improvement in cycle life for the C&K parts.