EN3C8F Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The EN3C8F is an 8-position circular connector plug with female sockets and solder cup termination, manufactured by Switchcraft Inc. as part of the EN3® series. This connector is designed for general purpose, instrumentation, marine, and medical applications requiring bayonet-lock coupling with IP66/IP68 ingress protection. The EN3C8F is currently listed as obsolete, making identification of active equivalent parts essential for ongoing procurement and system maintenance.

Substiute Parts

EN3C8F

Switchcraft Inc.In Stock: 1003EN3C8F Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

EN3C8FX

Switchcraft Inc.In Stock: 3426EN3C8FX Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The EN3C8FX qualifies as a direct substitute for the EN3C8F based on the following critical parameters:

• Connector Type & Configuration: Both are 8-position circular connector plugs with female sockets and identical bayonet-lock fastening
• Electrical Specifications: Matching current rating (6.5A) and voltage rating (250VAC/DC)
• Termination Method: Both use solder cup termination
• Physical & Environmental Ratings: Identical ingress protection (IP66/IP68), operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 65°C), and cable opening specifications (0.160" ~ 0.265")
• Material & Compliance: Both feature gold-plated copper alloy contacts, thermoplastic shell construction, UL94 V-0 flammability rating, and ROHS3 compliance
• Series Continuity: Both belong to the EN3® series from Switchcraft Inc.

The primary distinction is product status: EN3C8F is obsolete while EN3C8FX is active, with EN3C8FX available in bulk packaging and higher inventory levels.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The EN3C8FX is the appropriate active substitute for the obsolete EN3C8F. Both components maintain identical electrical, mechanical, and environmental specifications across all critical parameters. The EN3C8FX carries active product status from Switchcraft Inc., ensuring continued availability and support. Both parts meet ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, satisfying current regulatory requirements for industrial, marine, and medical applications. The EN3C8FX is available in higher inventory quantities with bulk packaging options, supporting both prototype and production-level procurement requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can EN3C8FX be used as a direct replacement for EN3C8F in existing designs?

A: Yes. The EN3C8FX maintains identical connector type, pin configuration, electrical ratings, termination method, and environmental specifications. No design modifications are required for substitution.

Q: Are there any differences in solder cup specifications between these parts?

A: No. Both parts use identical solder cup termination with matching cable opening ranges (0.160" ~ 0.265").

Q: Does the bulk packaging of EN3C8FX affect compatibility?

A: No. Packaging format does not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility. Bulk packaging is a procurement option only.

Q: Are both parts suitable for marine and medical applications?

A: Yes. Both EN3C8F and EN3C8FX are rated for general purpose, instrumentation, marine, and medical applications with IP66/IP68 ingress protection and UL94 V-0 flammability compliance.

Q: What is the significance of the obsolete status of EN3C8F?

A: Obsolete status indicates that Switchcraft Inc. no longer manufactures the EN3C8F. The EN3C8FX is the active equivalent and should be specified for new designs and ongoing procurement.

Q: Are the operating temperature ranges identical?

A: Yes. Both parts operate across the identical temperature range of -40°C to 65°C.

Q: Do both parts meet current compliance standards?

A: Yes. Both EN3C8F and EN3C8FX are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current regulatory requirements.