Switchcraft Inc. A4F Circular Connector Plug - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Switchcraft Inc. A4F is a 4-position circular connector plug with female sockets designed for solder cup termination. This connector is part of the Q-G® A series and is actively manufactured. The A4F serves applications requiring reliable audio and instrumentation signal transmission with a 10A current rating and 125VAC voltage specification. Alternative models may be required due to inventory constraints, application-specific cable opening requirements, or operational temperature range specifications.

Substiute Parts

A4F

Switchcraft Inc.In Stock: 971A4F Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

AC4F

Amphenol AudioIn Stock: 1018AC4F Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The AC4F from Amphenol Audio qualifies as a direct substitute for the A4F based on the following matching parameters:

• Connector type: Plug with female sockets
• Position count: 4 positions
• Shell size: XLR
• Termination method: Solder cup
• Fastening mechanism: Latch lock
• Mounting configuration: Free hanging (in-line)
• Current rating: 10A
• Contact material: Brass
• RoHS compliance: ROHS3 compliant
• Moisture sensitivity level: 1 (Unlimited)
• REACH status: Unaffected
• ECCN classification: EAR99

Both connectors are active products with equivalent electrical and mechanical specifications suitable for audio and instrumentation applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both the A4F and AC4F are active products with ROHS3 compliance and equivalent electrical ratings for 4-position XLR solder cup applications. Selection between these connectors should account for the following differences:

The A4F features a stainless steel shell with silver contact finish and supports cable openings from 0.210" to 0.300". The AC4F provides a zinc die cast shell with tin contact finish and accommodates cable openings from 0.118" to 0.256", along with specified operating temperature range of -25°C to 75°C and IP40 ingress protection rating.

Cable diameter compatibility is the primary mechanical consideration. Applications requiring larger cable diameters align with the A4F specification, while applications with smaller cable diameters align with the AC4F specification. Both connectors maintain equivalent latch lock fastening and solder cup termination for audio and instrumentation signal transmission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the AC4F replace the A4F in all applications?

A: The AC4F qualifies as a substitute where cable opening requirements fall within 0.118" to 0.256" (3.00mm to 6.50mm). Applications requiring cable openings larger than 0.256" must use the A4F, which accommodates up to 0.300" (7.62mm).

Q: What is the difference in shell material between these connectors?

A: The A4F uses stainless steel with silver contact finish. The AC4F uses zinc die cast with nickel plating and tin contact finish. Both materials support equivalent electrical performance for the specified 10A current rating.

Q: Are both connectors RoHS compliant?

A: Yes, both the A4F and AC4F are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements.

Q: Does the AC4F provide temperature specifications?

A: The AC4F specifies an operating temperature range of -25°C to 75°C. The A4F does not provide an operating temperature specification in the available data.

Q: What is the ingress protection rating for these connectors?

A: The A4F does not specify an ingress protection rating. The AC4F provides IP40 ingress protection.

Q: Are both connectors suitable for audio applications?

A: Yes, both the A4F and AC4F are specified for audio and instrumentation applications with equivalent 4-position XLR solder cup configurations.