Eaton B383908 MAGNUM B38 Series Terminal Block: Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Eaton B383908 is an 8-circuit barrier block connector from the MAGNUM B38 series, designed for chassis and panel mounting applications with screw termination on both top and bottom. This component is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent parts to maintain system functionality and ensure continued availability for new designs and field replacements.

The B383908 operates at 50A current rating with 300V voltage rating and accommodates wire gauges from 8-16 AWG. Its dual-wall barrier design and UL94 V-0 flammability rating provide electrical isolation and safety compliance for industrial control and power distribution applications.

Substiute Parts

B383908

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1149B383908 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

A38220804

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1125A38220804 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the obsolete B383908 with the active Eaton A38220804 is based on the following matching parameters:

Matching Criteria:

• Identical number of circuits (8)
• Identical pitch spacing (0.437" / 11.10mm)
• Identical terminal block type (Barrier Block)
• Identical barrier configuration (2 Wall / Dual)
• Identical top termination method (Screws)
• Identical insulation material (Thermoplastic)
• Identical flammability rating (UL94 V-0)
• Identical color (Black)
• Identical mounting method (Through Hole)
• Identical RoHS compliance status (ROHS3)

Differing Parameters: The A38220804 operates at 30A current rating versus the B383908's 50A rating, accepts 600V versus 300V, and accommodates wire gauges 10-22 AWG versus 8-16 AWG. The A38220804 features PC pin bottom termination instead of screw termination and uses brass with nickel finish for terminal screws instead of steel with zinc finish.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The Eaton A38220804 serves as an active substitute for the obsolete B383908 within applications where the electrical and mechanical constraints permit operation at the lower current rating of 30A. Both components maintain identical circuit count, pitch spacing, and barrier block configuration, ensuring mechanical compatibility in mounting and layout.

The A38220804 provides enhanced voltage rating capability (600V versus 300V), supporting deployment in higher-voltage distribution systems. The component maintains ROHS3 compliance and UL94 V-0 flammability certification, meeting current regulatory and safety standards for new equipment designs.

The transition from screw bottom termination to PC pin bottom termination on the A38220804 requires evaluation of the PCB or mounting substrate design. Applications utilizing screw-based field termination on the bottom side require alternative component selection or circuit board redesign to accommodate PC pin insertion.

The operating temperature specification for the A38220804 lists 105°C maximum without the -40°C minimum specification provided for the B383908. Applications requiring operation below 0°C require confirmation of the A38220804's low-temperature performance capability through Eaton technical documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the A38220804 directly replace the B383908 in existing equipment?

A: Mechanical and electrical compatibility exists for applications operating at 30A or below. The primary consideration is the bottom termination method: the B383908 uses screw termination while the A38220804 uses PC pin termination. Direct replacement requires compatible PCB or mounting substrate design. Screw-based field termination applications require alternative solutions.

Q: What is the significance of the current rating difference between 50A and 30A?

A: The B383908 is rated for continuous current up to 50A per circuit, while the A38220804 is rated for 30A per circuit. Applications drawing current exceeding 30A per circuit cannot use the A38220804 as a substitute. Current requirements must be evaluated against the lower rating of the substitute component.

Q: Are both components suitable for new equipment designs?

A: The A38220804 is classified as active and is suitable for new designs. The B383908 is obsolete and should not be specified for new equipment. Eaton continues to manufacture and support the A38220804 through standard distribution channels.

Q: What are the wire gauge compatibility differences?

A: The B383908 accommodates wire gauges 8-16 AWG, while the A38220804 accommodates 10-22 AWG. The A38220804 accepts smaller gauge wires (down to 22 AWG) but does not accept the larger 8 AWG wire supported by the B383908. Wire gauge selection must fall within the 10-16 AWG range for compatibility with both components.

Q: How do the terminal screw materials differ?

A: The B383908 uses steel terminal screws with zinc finish, while the A38220804 uses brass terminal screws with nickel finish. Brass with nickel finish provides enhanced corrosion resistance in humid or chemically aggressive environments. Steel with zinc finish is suitable for standard industrial applications.

Q: What is the voltage rating significance?

A: The A38220804 operates at 600V maximum, providing a 2:1 safety margin compared to the B383908's 300V rating. Applications operating at voltages between 300V and 600V can utilize the A38220804 for enhanced voltage margin. Applications at or below 300V can use either component within their respective current ratings.

Q: Are there packaging differences between these components?

A: The B383908 is listed with unspecified packaging, while the A38220804 is supplied in bulk packaging. Bulk packaging typically indicates standard industrial packaging without special protective measures. Specific packaging requirements should be confirmed with Eaton for both components.

Q: Do both components meet current compliance standards?

A: Both components are ROHS3 compliant and carry UL94 V-0 flammability certification. The A38220804 includes REACH Unaffected status, confirming compliance with European chemical regulations. Both components meet current regulatory requirements for industrial equipment.