TE Connectivity 8-968973-2 Rectangular Connector Housing Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TE Connectivity 8-968973-2 is a 15-position rectangular connector receptacle housing manufactured in the MCP series. This component functions as a female socket housing for crimp-terminated contacts in free-hanging, in-line applications. The housing is constructed from glass-filled polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and operates across a temperature range of -30°C to 100°C. The part is currently active in production status and maintains ROHS3 compliance. Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical and mechanical parameters are required but alternative housing colors or manufacturer variants are acceptable for system integration.

Substiute Parts

8-968973-2

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 10438-968973-2 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

6-968973-1

TE Connectivity Deutsch ConnectorsIn Stock: 18026-968973-1 Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

8-968973-1

TE Connectivity Deutsch ConnectorsIn Stock: 461388-968973-1 Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the 8-968973-2 are determined by equivalence across all critical electrical and mechanical parameters. The following parameters establish substitution eligibility:

• Connector type (Receptacle)
• Contact type (Female Socket)
• Number of positions (15)
• Pitch spacing (0.197" / 5.00mm)
• Number of rows (3)
• Row spacing (0.217" / 5.51mm)
• Mounting configuration (Free Hanging, In-Line)
• Contact termination method (Crimp)
• Fastening mechanism (Latch Lock)
• Insulation material (PBT, Glass Filled)
• Operating temperature range (-30°C to 100°C)
• Series designation (MCP)
• Regulatory compliance (ROHS3)

Substitute parts identified for the 8-968973-2 include the 6-968973-1 and 8-968973-1 variants. These parts maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications while differing only in housing color and manufacturer designation within the TE Connectivity product family.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All three parts—8-968973-2, 6-968973-1, and 8-968973-1—maintain active product status and full compliance with ROHS3 and REACH regulations. Selection between these parts is based on availability and housing color requirements for system identification or application-specific marking standards.

The 8-968973-2 (gray housing) is available with 974 pieces in current inventory. The 6-968973-1 (blue housing) provides 1,700 pieces in stock. The 8-968973-1 (purple housing) offers the highest inventory availability at 46,090 pieces.

All three parts share identical electrical and mechanical specifications, including contact configuration, pitch spacing, termination method, temperature rating, and regulatory compliance status. Housing color represents the only functional distinction among these variants. Selection should be based on application requirements for connector identification, system documentation standards, or inventory availability constraints.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are the 6-968973-1 and 8-968973-1 direct substitutes for the 8-968973-2?

A: Yes. Both parts maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications across all critical parameters including connector type, contact configuration, pitch spacing, row arrangement, mounting method, termination type, fastening mechanism, insulation material, and operating temperature range. The only difference is housing color.

Q: Does housing color affect electrical performance or mechanical compatibility?

A: No. Housing color is a visual identifier only and does not impact electrical performance, mechanical fit, or contact engagement. All three parts are mechanically and electrically interchangeable within the MCP series.

Q: Can I use these parts interchangeably in the same assembly?

A: Yes, provided that application requirements do not specify a particular housing color for system identification or documentation purposes. The crimp contact interface, mounting configuration, and latch lock fastening are identical across all three variants.

Q: What is the significance of the different manufacturer designations (AMP Connectors vs. Deutsch Connectors)?

A: Both designations represent TE Connectivity product lines. The 8-968973-2 is designated under the AMP Connectors brand, while the 6-968973-1 and 8-968973-1 are designated under the Deutsch Connectors brand. All parts are manufactured to identical specifications within the MCP series.

Q: Are there any differences in moisture sensitivity or storage requirements?

A: The 8-968973-2 lists moisture sensitivity level as not applicable. The 6-968973-1 and 8-968973-1 both specify MSL 1 (Unlimited), indicating no moisture sensitivity restrictions. This difference does not affect substitution eligibility or storage requirements.

Q: Do all three parts require the same contact specifications?

A: Yes. All three housings are designed for identical crimp-terminated female socket contacts. Contact specifications, gauge compatibility, and crimping parameters remain consistent across all variants.

Q: Which part should I select based on current inventory?

A: Selection based on inventory availability is valid when application requirements do not mandate a specific housing color. The 8-968973-1 (purple) offers the highest stock level at 46,090 pieces, followed by the 6-968973-1 (blue) at 1,700 pieces, and the 8-968973-2 (gray) at 974 pieces.