APEM 8646AB DPDT Pushbutton Switch - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The APEM 8646AB 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 features epoxy sealed solder lug terminals and is designed for On-On switching applications. The part is currently Active in product status with 845 units in stock.

Substitute parts become necessary when the primary part reaches end-of-life, experiences supply constraints, or when design requirements allow for functionally equivalent alternatives that meet the same electrical and mechanical specifications.

Substiute Parts

8646AB
APEM Inc.In Stock: 8688646AB Datasheet
8646AB
Current Part
MB2085SS1W01
NKK SwitchesIn Stock: 1374MB2085SS1W01 Datasheet
MB2085SS1W01
Similar

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Circuit Configuration DPDT
Switch Function On-On
Current Rating (AC) 6A
Current Rating (DC) 4A
Voltage Rating (AC) 125V
Voltage Rating (DC) 30V
Mounting Type Panel Mount, Rear
Panel Cutout Diameter 6.50mm
Termination Style Solder Lug
Operating Temperature Range -40°C to 85°C
Electrical Life 30,000 Cycles
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the APEM 8646AB is determined by strict alignment with the following critical parameters:

  • Circuit Configuration: Must be DPDT
  • Switch Function: Must be On-On
  • AC Current Rating: Minimum 6A at 125V
  • DC Current Rating: Minimum 4A at 30V
  • Mounting Type: Panel Mount, Rear
  • Panel Cutout Diameter: 6.50mm (circular)
  • Termination Style: Solder Lug
  • Operating Temperature Range: Must encompass -40°C to 85°C or be compatible with application requirements
  • Regulatory Compliance: ROHS3 Compliant, REACH Unaffected

The NKK Switches MB2085SS1W01 meets these substitution criteria with the following considerations: DC current rating is 3A (below the 4A specification), and operating temperature minimum is -30°C (above the -40°C specification). These deviations must be evaluated against specific application requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter APEM 8646AB NKK MB2085SS1W01 Compatibility Notes
Manufacturer APEM Inc. NKK Switches Different manufacturers
Circuit Configuration DPDT DPDT Matched
Switch Function On-On On-On Matched
Current Rating (AC) 6A 6A Matched
Current Rating (DC) 4A 3A Substitute rated 1A lower
Voltage Rating (AC) 125V 125V Matched
Voltage Rating (DC) 30V 30V Matched
Mounting Type Panel Mount, Rear Panel Mount, Rear Matched
Panel Cutout Diameter 6.50mm 6.50mm Matched
Termination Style Solder Lug Solder Lug Matched
Operating Temperature Range -40°C to 85°C -30°C to 85°C Substitute minimum 10°C higher
Electrical Life 30,000 Cycles 25,000 Cycles Substitute rated 5,000 cycles lower
Product Status Active Obsolete Primary part actively manufactured
RoHS Status ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant Matched

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The APEM 8646AB remains the preferred selection as it is currently Active in product status with established supply availability (845 units in stock). The part meets all ROHS3 and REACH compliance requirements.

The NKK Switches MB2085SS1W01 is classified as Obsolete and should be considered only when the primary part is unavailable. When evaluating this substitute, the following deviations from the original specification must be assessed:

  • DC current rating is reduced from 4A to 3A
  • Operating temperature minimum is raised from -40°C to -30°C
  • Electrical life is reduced from 30,000 to 25,000 cycles

Both parts maintain identical AC current ratings (6A at 125V), voltage ratings (125V AC / 30V DC), mounting configuration, panel cutout diameter, and termination style. Both are ROHS3 Compliant and REACH Unaffected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the NKK MB2085SS1W01 be used as a direct replacement for the APEM 8646AB?

A: The NKK MB2085SS1W01 shares the same circuit configuration (DPDT), switch function (On-On), AC current rating (6A at 125V), voltage ratings, mounting type, panel cutout diameter, and termination style. However, it has a lower DC current rating (3A vs. 4A), a higher minimum operating temperature (-30°C vs. -40°C), and reduced electrical life (25,000 vs. 30,000 cycles). Substitution is permissible only if the application does not require the full 4A DC rating, does not operate below -30°C, and can tolerate the reduced cycle life.

Q: What are the critical parameters that determine if a pushbutton switch can substitute for the APEM 8646AB?

A: The following parameters must match or exceed the original specification: DPDT circuit configuration, On-On switch function, 6A AC current at 125V, 4A DC current at 30V, Panel Mount Rear mounting type, 6.50mm circular panel cutout diameter, and Solder Lug termination style. Operating temperature range and electrical life should be evaluated based on application requirements.

Q: Why is the NKK MB2085SS1W01 listed as Obsolete?

A: Product status reflects the manufacturer's current production and support status. Obsolete parts may still be available from inventory but are no longer actively manufactured or supported by the original manufacturer. The APEM 8646AB, being Active, is the recommended choice for new designs and ongoing production.

Q: Are both parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes, both the APEM 8646AB and NKK MB2085SS1W01 are ROHS3 Compliant and REACH Unaffected, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements.

Q: What is the significance of the panel cutout diameter specification?

A: The 6.50mm circular panel cutout diameter is a mechanical compatibility parameter. Both the primary part and substitute must have identical panel cutout dimensions to ensure proper mechanical fit and mounting without requiring panel modifications.

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