BS-21-8 Spade Terminal Connector - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BS-21-8 is a flanged spade terminal connector manufactured by 3M, designed for crimp termination of 18-22 AWG wire. This non-insulated connector features an 8 stud configuration with tin contact finish and copper ETP contact material. The part is actively produced and ROHS3 compliant. Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical and mechanical parameters are maintained across the critical dimensions and material specifications that define functional interchangeability in spade terminal applications.

Substiute Parts

BS-21-8

3MIn Stock: 927BS-21-8 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

8237

Keystone ElectronicsIn Stock: 10618237 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

P18-8FF-C

Panduit CorpIn Stock: 1768P18-8FF-C Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the BS-21-8 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

• Stud/Tab Size: Must be 8 Stud configuration
• Wire Gauge Range: Must accommodate 18-22 AWG termination
• Terminal Type: Must be Flanged
• Termination Method: Must be Crimp
• Insulation Classification: Must be Non-Insulated
• Contact Material: Must be Copper or Copper, ETP
• Contact Finish: Must be Tin
• Mounting Type: Must be Free Hanging (In-Line)
• Regulatory Compliance: Must maintain ROHS3 compliance

Two substitute parts meet these criteria: Keystone Electronics 8237 and Panduit Corp P18-8FF-C. Both maintain functional equivalence across all critical electrical and mechanical parameters required for direct substitution in applications specified for the BS-21-8.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All three parts maintain active product status and ROHS3 compliance, confirming ongoing manufacturing support and regulatory alignment. The BS-21-8 (3M), 8237 (Keystone Electronics), and P18-8FF-C (Panduit Corp) are functionally equivalent for applications requiring 8 stud spade terminal connectors with 18-22 AWG crimp termination.

The Keystone Electronics 8237 maintains identical dimensional specifications to the BS-21-8 across width and overall length parameters. The Panduit Corp P18-8FF-C exhibits minor dimensional variation in outer edge width (0.310" versus 0.300") and overall length (0.720" versus 0.650"), which may require mechanical fit verification in space-constrained applications.

Selection between these substitutes should be based on availability, lead time, and specific mechanical fit requirements within the target assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the Keystone Electronics 8237 directly replace the BS-21-8 in existing designs?

A: Yes. The 8237 maintains identical stud size, wire gauge range, terminal type, termination method, contact material, contact finish, and mounting configuration. Dimensional specifications for width and overall length are identical to the BS-21-8.

Q: What dimensional differences exist between the BS-21-8 and P18-8FF-C?

A: The P18-8FF-C has a slightly larger outer edge width (0.310" versus 0.300") and greater overall length (0.720" versus 0.650"). These differences must be evaluated against mechanical constraints in the target application.

Q: Are all three parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. The BS-21-8, 8237, and P18-8FF-C are all ROHS3 compliant, confirming conformance to restricted substance requirements.

Q: What is the significance of the contact material difference between BS-21-8 and P18-8FF-C?

A: The BS-21-8 specifies Copper, ETP (Electrolytic Tough Pitch), while the P18-8FF-C specifies Copper. Both materials provide equivalent electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance for this application category. The ETP designation in the BS-21-8 indicates a specific purity standard.

Q: Can these parts be used interchangeably in high-reliability applications?

A: All three parts are actively produced and maintain equivalent electrical and mechanical specifications for the 18-22 AWG wire gauge range. Selection should be based on application-specific requirements, availability, and any design-specific mechanical fit constraints.