EM256504VL Terminal Block Plug - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The EM256504VL is a 4-position terminal block plug manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division, part of the Euro-Mag EM2565 series. This component features female sockets with 0.200" (5.08mm) pitch spacing and 90° free-hanging in-line mounting configuration. The plug utilizes screw termination for wire connection and is rated for 16 A at 300 V per UL standards. The product is currently active with 843 pieces in stock.

Terminal block plugs serve as critical interconnection components in industrial control systems, power distribution panels, and modular equipment. Equivalent and substitute parts become necessary when the primary component experiences supply constraints, extended lead times, or when design flexibility permits alternative manufacturers meeting identical electrical and mechanical specifications.

Substiute Parts

EM256504VL

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 880EM256504VL Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

0395333004

MolexIn Stock: 22140395333004 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the EM256504VL is determined by strict alignment of the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

• Number of Positions: 4
• Pitch: 0.200" (5.08mm)
• Plug Wire Entry: 90°
• Mounting Type: Free Hanging (In-Line)
• Voltage Rating (UL): 300 V
• Wire Gauge Range: 12-26 AWG
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C ~ 105°C
• Contact Mating Finish: Tin
• Material Flammability Rating: UL94 V-0
• RoHS Compliance: ROHS3 Compliant

Allowable Variation Parameters:

• Current Rating (UL): Substitute must meet or exceed 16 A
• Termination Style: Screw-based termination methods (including rising cage clamp variants)
• Contact Material: Brass or Phosphor Bronze
• Housing Material: Thermoplastic or Polyamide variants
• Insulation Height: Within ±0.004" (0.1mm) tolerance
• Torque Specification: Variation permitted based on termination mechanism design

The Molex 0395333004 qualifies as a direct substitute based on these criteria.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Component - EM256504VL (Eaton): The EM256504VL remains the specified component when supply is available. It carries active product status with 843 pieces in current inventory. The component meets all UL electrical requirements at 16 A and maintains full ROHS3 compliance with UL94 V-0 flammability certification.

Substitute Component - 0395333004 (Molex): The Molex 0395333004 qualifies as a direct substitute when EM256504VL availability is constrained. This component maintains identical electrical and mechanical interface specifications with the following considerations:

• Current rating is 15 A versus 16 A on the primary component. Applications operating at or below 15 A continuous current are fully compatible.
• Termination mechanism employs rising cage clamp technology within the screw termination family, providing equivalent wire retention and electrical performance.
• Housing material is polyamide (PA66) nylon 6/6 versus thermoplastic, both meeting UL94 V-0 flammability requirements.
• Contact material is phosphor bronze versus brass, both providing equivalent tin-plated mating surfaces and electrical conductivity for this application class.
• Insulation height variance of 0.004" (0.1mm) is within standard mechanical tolerance for terminal block plug applications.
• ROHS3 compliance and EAR99 export classification are identical.
• Inventory availability is 2186 pieces, providing superior supply continuity.

Both components are suitable for direct substitution in applications where the 15 A current rating of the Molex component does not exceed system requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the Molex 0395333004 be used as a direct replacement for the Eaton EM256504VL in all applications?

A: The Molex 0395333004 is a direct substitute for applications where the circuit current does not exceed 15 A. The primary difference is the current rating: EM256504VL is rated 16 A while the Molex substitute is rated 15 A. Both components share identical pitch (5.08mm), position count (4), wire entry angle (90°), voltage rating (300 V), operating temperature range (-40°C to 105°C), and flammability certification (UL94 V-0). Verify your application's maximum continuous current before substitution.

Q: What is the difference between the screw termination styles used in these two components?

A: The EM256504VL uses standard screw termination, while the 0395333004 uses screw-based rising cage clamp termination. Both are screw-actuated wire connection methods. Rising cage clamp technology provides automatic wire positioning and retention during screw tightening. Both termination styles are compatible with 12-26 AWG wire gauge range and provide equivalent electrical performance and reliability for this application class.

Q: Are the housing materials interchangeable from a mechanical fit perspective?

A: Yes. The EM256504VL housing is thermoplastic while the Molex 0395333004 uses polyamide (PA66) nylon 6/6. Both materials meet UL94 V-0 flammability requirements and provide equivalent mechanical rigidity and dimensional stability for free-hanging in-line mounting. The insulation height difference of 0.004" (0.1mm) is within standard mechanical tolerance for terminal block applications and does not affect mating or mounting compatibility.

Q: Do both components meet the same regulatory and compliance standards?

A: Yes. Both the EM256504VL and 0395333004 are ROHS3 compliant, carry EAR99 export classification, and share the identical HTSUS code (8536.90.4000). Both components meet UL electrical ratings at 300 V and carry UL94 V-0 flammability certification. Moisture sensitivity level differs (EM256504VL is not applicable; 0395333004 is MSL 1 unlimited), but this does not affect substitution suitability for standard industrial applications.

Q: What is the significance of the contact material difference between brass and phosphor bronze?

A: Both brass and phosphor bronze are standard contact materials for terminal block applications. The EM256504VL uses brass contacts while the 0395333004 uses phosphor bronze. Both materials provide equivalent electrical conductivity and are tin-plated for mating surface protection. Phosphor bronze offers slightly higher spring characteristics, but both materials deliver equivalent performance for screw-terminated connections in this voltage and current class. The tin plating on both ensures consistent contact resistance and corrosion resistance.

Q: Can I use the Molex 0395333004 in applications requiring the full 16 A rating of the EM256504VL?

A: No. The Molex 0395333004 is rated for 15 A maximum continuous current. Applications requiring the full 16 A capability must use the EM256504VL. Verify your circuit's maximum continuous current requirement before selecting the substitute component. Operating the Molex component above its 15 A rating may result in thermal stress and reduced component life.