BC6-Q408-10 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BC6-Q408-10 is a 10-circuit barrier block connector manufactured by TE Connectivity AMP Connectors. This terminal block features a 0.375" (9.53mm) pitch with screw termination on the top and quick connect insulated termination on the bottom. The product is discontinued at DiGi Electronics, necessitating identification of equivalent alternatives for ongoing applications requiring barrier block connectivity with comparable electrical and mechanical specifications.

Substiute Parts

BC6-Q408-10

TE Connectivity AMP ConnectorsIn Stock: 1076BC6-Q408-10 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

0387216710

MolexIn Stock: 10370387216710 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BC6-Q408-10 is determined by the following critical parameters that must align with the original specification:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

• Terminal block type: Barrier block configuration
• Number of circuits: 10-circuit capacity
• Pitch: 0.375" (9.53mm) spacing
• Voltage rating: 300V minimum
• Flammability rating: UL94 V-0
• Mounting type: Chassis/Panel compatible

Allowable Variation Parameters:

• Current rating: Substitute may have lower rating if application permits
• Wire gauge range: Substitute may have narrower range if within application requirements
• Barrier type: Substitute may have different wall configuration
• Operating temperature: Substitute may have different range if application operates within overlap
• Insulation material: Substitute may differ if compliance maintained
• Bottom termination connector type: Substitute may differ if mechanical compatibility exists

The Molex 0387216710 is identified as a substitute based on matching terminal block type, circuit count, pitch, voltage rating, and flammability compliance. Differences in current rating, wire gauge range, barrier wall configuration, operating temperature range, and bottom termination connector type represent acceptable variations for applications where these parameters do not impose constraints.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

BC6-Q408-10 (TE Connectivity AMP Connectors)

Status: Discontinued at DiGi Electronics. Inventory availability: 1017 pieces in stock. RoHS compliant. This part remains the original specification reference and should be selected when current rating of 20A is required, when wire gauge 12 AWG minimum is necessary, when operating temperature must reach 105°C, or when 3-wall barrier configuration is mandated by design requirements.

0387216710 (Molex Beau 38721 Series)

Status: Active product. Inventory availability: 985 pieces in stock. ROHS3 compliant. REACH affected. This substitute is suitable for applications where current requirements do not exceed 15A, where wire gauge minimum of 14 AWG is acceptable, where operating temperature maximum of 100°C is sufficient, and where 2-wall barrier configuration meets isolation requirements. The bottom termination connector size differs (0.187" versus 0.250"), requiring verification of mating connector compatibility in the target application. The Molex part includes a flange feature not present on the original TE Connectivity part.

Selection between these parts depends on whether the application constraints align with the substitute's reduced current rating, narrower wire gauge range, lower maximum operating temperature, and different bottom termination connector size.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the Molex 0387216710 directly replace the BC6-Q408-10 in all applications?

A: No. The Molex substitute has a lower current rating (15A versus 20A), narrower wire gauge range (14-22 AWG versus 12-22 AWG), lower maximum operating temperature (100°C versus 105°C), and different bottom termination connector size (0.187" versus 0.250"). Substitution is valid only when the application operates within these reduced parameters and the mating connector for the bottom termination is compatible with the 0.187" quick connect size.

Q: What is the significance of the barrier type difference between these parts?

A: The BC6-Q408-10 features a 3-wall (tri) barrier configuration, while the Molex 0387216710 has a 2-wall (dual) barrier configuration. The 3-wall design provides greater electrical isolation between adjacent circuits. Applications requiring enhanced isolation or operating in high-noise environments may require the original 3-wall specification and cannot use the 2-wall substitute.

Q: Are both parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. The BC6-Q408-10 is RoHS compliant. The Molex 0387216710 is ROHS3 compliant, which represents a more recent revision of the RoHS directive. Both parts meet RoHS requirements. The Molex part is also REACH affected, indicating it is subject to REACH chemical substance regulations.

Q: What is the impact of the different bottom termination connector sizes?

A: The BC6-Q408-10 uses a 0.250" quick connect bottom termination, while the Molex 0387216710 uses a 0.187" quick connect bottom termination. These are mechanically incompatible. The mating connector on the PCB or harness must be verified to accept the 0.187" connector size before substitution. Adapter solutions may not be available for this connector type.

Q: Can the BC6-Q408-10 be used in applications where the Molex substitute is specified?

A: Yes, in most cases. The BC6-Q408-10 exceeds the Molex specifications in current rating (20A versus 15A), wire gauge range (12-22 AWG versus 14-22 AWG), maximum operating temperature (105°C versus 100°C), and barrier configuration (3-wall versus 2-wall). The BC6-Q408-10 is a higher-specification alternative. However, the bottom termination connector size difference (0.250" versus 0.187") must be accommodated in the mating connector design.

Q: What is the significance of the flange feature on the Molex part?

A: The Molex 0387216710 includes a flange feature not present on the BC6-Q408-10. This flange may affect mounting orientation, panel cutout dimensions, or mechanical fit in the target application. Verify that the flange does not interfere with the intended mounting configuration before substitution.

Q: Are there any temperature range considerations for substitution?

A: Yes. The BC6-Q408-10 operates from an unspecified minimum temperature to 105°C maximum. The Molex 0387216710 operates from -40°C to 100°C. If the application requires operation above 100°C, the Molex substitute is not suitable. If the application requires operation below -40°C, the Molex part may not be suitable depending on the unspecified minimum temperature of the original part.

Q: What packaging differences exist between these parts?

A: The BC6-Q408-10 packaging is not specified in the provided data. The Molex 0387216710 is supplied in tray packaging. Verify packaging requirements for your procurement and handling processes.