APEM Inc. M42A Slide Switch 4PDT Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The APEM Inc. M42A is a 4PDT (four-pole, double-throw) slide switch rated for 300mA at 125V AC with through-hole mounting. This component is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent alternatives for new designs and production continuity. The M42A features epoxy-sealed terminals, silver contact finish, and a 2.00mm switch travel with 10,000 electrical life cycles. Substitution is required to maintain supply chain reliability and access to components with extended product lifecycle support.

Substiute Parts

M42A

APEM Inc.In Stock: 925M42A Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

1825264-1

TE Connectivity ALCOSWITCH SwitchesIn Stock: 18571825264-1 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

1825267-1

TE Connectivity ALCOSWITCH SwitchesIn Stock: 27781825267-1 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the M42A is determined by strict alignment with the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Circuit configuration (4PDT minimum requirement)
• Current rating (300mA AC/DC capability)
• Voltage rating (125V AC, 30V DC minimum)
• Mounting type (Through Hole)
• Termination style (PC Pin)
• Contact finish (Silver)
• Switch travel (2.00mm)

Substitute Classification:

Direct Equivalent (1825264-1): TE Connectivity ALCOSWITCH Switches MSS series part maintains 4PDT circuit configuration, 300mA AC current rating, 125V AC voltage rating, through-hole mounting with PC pin termination, silver contact finish, and 2.00mm switch travel. This part is active and provides enhanced electrical life (15,000 cycles) and mechanical life (15,000 cycles) compared to the obsolete M42A.

Functional Alternative (1825267-1): TE Connectivity ALCOSWITCH Switches MSS series part provides 4P3T circuit configuration with On-On-On switch function, maintaining 300mA AC current rating, 125V AC voltage rating, through-hole mounting with PC pin termination, silver contact finish, and 2.00mm switch travel. This part is active and suitable for applications requiring three-position switching capability.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (1825264-1):

Select TE Connectivity ALCOSWITCH Switches 1825264-1 when the application requires identical circuit functionality (4PDT, On-On) with the same electrical specifications (300mA AC, 125V AC). This part is active with extended product lifecycle support. The 1825264-1 provides superior reliability metrics with 15,000 electrical and mechanical life cycles compared to the M42A's 10,000 electrical cycles. Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and EAR99 classification. The 1825264-1 operates across a wider temperature range (-20°C to 85°C) and includes defined mechanical life specifications. Actuator length differs at 8.00mm versus the M42A's 9.00mm; verify PCB layout compatibility before selection.

For Functional Alternative (1825267-1):

Select TE Connectivity ALCOSWITCH Switches 1825267-1 when the application can accommodate a three-position switching function (4P3T, On-On-On) while maintaining the same electrical specifications (300mA AC, 125V AC). This part is active with extended product lifecycle support and provides 15,000 electrical and mechanical life cycles. Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and EAR99 classification. The 1825267-1 operates across a wider temperature range (-20°C to 85°C). The actuator length is significantly shorter at 5.50mm compared to the M42A's 9.00mm; verify PCB layout and mechanical clearance requirements before selection. REACH status is vendor-undefined for this part.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 1825264-1 directly replace the M42A in existing designs?

A: The 1825264-1 maintains electrical equivalence (4PDT, 300mA AC, 125V AC) and mechanical compatibility (through-hole, PC pin termination, 2.00mm travel). However, the actuator length differs (8.00mm versus 9.00mm). Verify that the reduced actuator length does not conflict with PCB layout, panel cutout dimensions, or mechanical clearance requirements in your specific application.

Q: What is the primary advantage of substituting to the 1825264-1?

A: The 1825264-1 is an active product with extended lifecycle support, eliminating obsolescence risk. It provides enhanced reliability with 15,000 electrical and mechanical life cycles compared to the M42A's 10,000 electrical cycles. The part operates across a wider temperature range (-20°C to 85°C versus -10°C to 60°C) and includes defined mechanical life specifications.

Q: When should the 1825267-1 be selected instead of the 1825264-1?

A: Select the 1825267-1 when your application requires three-position switching capability (On-On-On) rather than two-position switching (On-On). The 1825267-1 provides 4P3T circuit configuration while maintaining the same current and voltage ratings. This part is suitable for applications such as selector switches or mode switches requiring an intermediate neutral or off position.

Q: Are there packaging differences between these parts?

A: The M42A is supplied in tray packaging. The 1825264-1 and 1825267-1 are supplied in bulk packaging. Confirm that bulk packaging is compatible with your procurement and assembly processes.

Q: Do all three parts meet the same compliance standards?

A: All three parts are ROHS3 compliant and classified as EAR99. The M42A and 1825264-1 are both REACH Unaffected. The 1825267-1 has vendor-undefined REACH status; obtain clarification from TE Connectivity if REACH compliance documentation is required for your application.

Q: What is the impact of the different actuator lengths on PCB design?

A: The M42A has a 9.00mm actuator length, the 1825264-1 has 8.00mm, and the 1825267-1 has 5.50mm. These differences affect the height of the switch above the PCB surface. Verify that panel cutout dimensions, mechanical clearance to adjacent components, and operator accessibility requirements are satisfied with the substitute part's actuator length before finalizing the design change.

Q: Are the contact materials equivalent between these parts?

A: The M42A does not specify contact material. The 1825264-1 and 1825267-1 both use copper alloy contact material with silver finish. All three parts feature silver contact finish, ensuring equivalent electrical performance for the specified current and voltage ratings.