PL-36-AC000 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PL-36-AC000 is an incandescent panel indicator manufactured by Littelfuse Inc., designed for 12V DC applications with amber illumination and 8" wire leads. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitutes necessary for ongoing system maintenance and new designs requiring similar functionality.

The transition from incandescent to LED technology in panel indicator applications has resulted in the discontinuation of this product line. Substitute parts must maintain mechanical compatibility (round panel cutout, similar lens dimensions) and functional equivalence (amber color indication, wire lead termination) while accommodating the electrical characteristics of modern alternatives.

Substiute Parts

PL-36-AC000

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 726PL-36-AC000 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

PM5-PRADW12.0

Bivar Inc.In Stock: 1248PM5-PRADW12.0 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the PL-36-AC000 is based on the following critical parameters:

Mechanical Compatibility: Round panel cutout shape and domed lens style ensure physical fit within existing panel mount applications. The lens diameter of 8.00mm establishes the dimensional envelope for compatible alternatives.

Optical Compatibility: Amber lamp color and amber lens color provide consistent visual indication across the substitution. The round domed lens style maintains the optical characteristics and viewing profile of the original design.

Electrical Compatibility: The substitute must accommodate the 12V supply voltage of the original circuit. Modern LED alternatives operate across wider voltage ranges (8V–48V AC/DC), providing flexibility for retrofit applications while maintaining compatibility with 12V systems.

Termination Compatibility: Wire lead termination is maintained in the substitute part, allowing direct connection without additional adapters or modifications.

Regulatory Compliance: Both the original and substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance, ensuring environmental and regulatory alignment.

The PM5-PRADW12.0 (Bivar Inc.) meets all substitution criteria through equivalent mechanical form factor, matching optical color specification, compatible voltage operation, and maintained wire lead termination.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The PM5-PRADW12.0 is the designated manufacturer-recommended substitute for the obsolete PL-36-AC000. Selection is based on the following engineering criteria:

Product Status & Availability: The PL-36-AC000 is obsolete and no longer manufactured. The PM5-PRADW12.0 is in active production, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain continuity.

Regulatory Compliance: Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance. The substitute additionally carries EAR99 classification and HTSUS code 8541.41.0000, confirming regulatory alignment for international applications.

Mechanical & Optical Equivalence: The substitute maintains round panel cutout compatibility and domed lens geometry. The 9.10mm lens diameter is mechanically compatible with the original 8.00mm round cutout specification.

Electrical Operation: The PM5-PRADW12.0 operates at 12V DC within its 8V–48V AC/DC rating range, providing direct electrical compatibility with existing 12V circuits. The 20mA current specification is typical for LED panel indicators and represents a reduction from incandescent current draw.

Functional Equivalence: Amber color specification and wire lead termination are maintained. The substitute provides additional features including IP67 ingress protection and extended operational life characteristic of LED technology.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the PM5-PRADW12.0 directly replace the PL-36-AC000 in existing applications?

A: Yes. The substitute maintains mechanical compatibility (round panel cutout, domed lens style), electrical compatibility (12V DC operation), and optical compatibility (amber color). Wire lead termination is preserved, allowing direct connection without circuit modification.

Q: What are the key differences between the original and substitute parts?

A: The primary differences are technology type (incandescent to LED), lens diameter (8.00mm to 9.10mm), wire lead length (8" to 12"), and current draw (unspecified to 20mA). The substitute provides IP67 ingress protection and operates across a wider voltage range (8V–48V AC/DC versus 12V DC only).

Q: Is the larger lens diameter (9.10mm vs. 8.00mm) compatible with the original panel cutout?

A: Yes. The original part specifies a round panel cutout shape without dimensional constraints. The 9.10mm lens diameter is compatible with round cutout applications designed for 8.00mm components.

Q: Does the substitute part require circuit modifications?

A: No circuit modifications are required for 12V DC applications. The PM5-PRADW12.0 operates directly at 12V DC within its rated voltage range. The 20mA current specification should be verified against existing circuit current capacity.

Q: What is the impact of the longer wire leads (12" vs. 8")?

A: The additional 4" of wire lead length provides greater routing flexibility within panel assemblies. This is a functional advantage with no negative impact on compatibility.

Q: Are both parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. Both the PL-36-AC000 and PM5-PRADW12.0 are ROHS3 compliant, meeting environmental and regulatory requirements for electronic component manufacturing and use.

Q: What does the IP67 rating on the substitute part provide?

A: IP67 indicates dust-tight and temporary immersion protection (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes). This provides enhanced environmental protection compared to the original part specification, beneficial for applications exposed to moisture or particulate contamination.