LED Panel Indicator PM3GD12VW6 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PM3GD12VW6 is a panel-mount LED indicator manufactured by Bivar Inc., designed for 12V DC applications requiring a 20mA green diffused light source. This component features a 3mm T-1 lens with wire leads and is classified as obsolete. Due to its obsolete status, identifying functionally equivalent substitute parts is essential for ongoing system maintenance, repair, and new design implementations where this indicator specification remains applicable.

Substiute Parts

PM3GD12VW6
Bivar Inc.In Stock: 1024PM3GD12VW6 Datasheet
PM3GD12VW6
Current Part
Q6P3BXXG12E
APEM Inc.In Stock: 1006Q6P3BXXG12E Datasheet
Q6P3BXXG12E
Similar

Key Parameters

Parameter Value Significance for Substitution
Voltage Rating 12V DC Critical - must match exactly
Current Rating 20mA Critical - must match exactly
Lamp Color Green Critical - visual function requirement
Lens Transparency Diffused Critical - optical characteristic
Lens Size 3mm, T-1 Critical - physical form factor
Panel Cutout Shape Round Important - mechanical compatibility
Termination Style Wire Leads Important - connection method
Ratings Type DC Critical - electrical characteristic

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the PM3GD12VW6 is determined by strict alignment of electrical and mechanical parameters. The following criteria establish valid equivalency:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

  • Voltage: 12V DC (exact match required)
  • Current: 20mA (exact match required)
  • Lamp Color: Green (exact match required)
  • Lens Transparency: Diffused (exact match required)
  • Lens Size: 3mm, T-1 (exact match required)
  • Panel Cutout Shape: Round (exact match required)
  • Ratings: DC (exact match required)
  • Termination Style: Wire Leads (exact match required)

Allowable Variation Parameters:

  • Panel Cutout Dimensions: Minor variations acceptable within mechanical tolerance
  • Viewing Angle: May vary based on application requirements
  • Wire Lead Length: May vary based on installation requirements
  • Millicandela Rating: May vary if application does not specify minimum brightness
  • Ingress Protection: Enhanced ratings acceptable (backward compatible)

The substitute part Q6P3BXXG12E from APEM Inc. meets all mandatory matching criteria and is therefore classified as a direct functional equivalent.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter PM3GD12VW6 (Bivar Inc.) Q6P3BXXG12E (APEM Inc.) Compatibility Status
Voltage Rating 12V DC 12V DC Match
Current Rating 20mA 20mA Match
Lamp Color Green Green Match
Lens Color Green Green Match
Lens Transparency Diffused Diffused Match
Lens Size 3mm, T-1 3mm, T-1 Match
Lens Style Round with Domed Top Round with Domed Top Match
Panel Cutout Shape Round Round Match
Panel Cutout Dimensions 0.16" (4.06mm) 0.24" (6.10mm) Variation - larger cutout required
Ratings Type DC DC Match
Termination Style Wire Leads - 6" (152.40mm) Wire Leads - 7.87" (200.00mm) Variation - longer leads
Viewing Angle 40° 100° Variation - wider viewing angle
Millicandela Rating 25mcd 40mcd Variation - higher brightness
Ingress Protection Not specified IP67 Enhanced in substitute
Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (Unlimited) 1 (Unlimited) Match
ECCN Classification EAR99 EAR99 Match
HTSUS Code 8541.41.0000 8541.41.0000 Match

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute: Q6P3BXXG12E (APEM Inc.)

The Q6P3BXXG12E is classified as an active product with ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, providing superior long-term availability compared to the obsolete PM3GD12VW6. All critical electrical parameters align exactly: 12V DC voltage, 20mA current, green diffused lens, and 3mm T-1 form factor.

Mechanical Considerations:

The substitute part features a larger panel cutout dimension (0.24" versus 0.16"), requiring panel modification if the original cutout cannot be enlarged. The extended wire lead length (7.87" versus 6") provides additional routing flexibility and may eliminate the need for lead extensions in some installations.

Optical Characteristics:

The Q6P3BXXG12E provides a 100° viewing angle compared to the original 40°, offering broader visibility. The increased millicandela rating (40mcd versus 25mcd) ensures adequate brightness for the same 20mA current draw. These enhancements are backward compatible with applications designed for the original part.

Compliance Status:

The substitute part's active product status, ROHS3 compliance, and IP67 ingress protection rating provide enhanced environmental protection and regulatory alignment for new designs and long-term system support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can Q6P3BXXG12E be used as a direct drop-in replacement for PM3GD12VW6?

A: Electrical compatibility is complete. Mechanical compatibility requires panel cutout enlargement from 0.16" to 0.24" diameter. Wire lead length is longer (7.87" versus 6"), which may require routing adjustment but does not prevent substitution.

Q: What are the critical parameters that must match for substitution?

A: Voltage (12V DC), current (20mA), lamp color (green), lens transparency (diffused), lens size (3mm T-1), panel cutout shape (round), and termination style (wire leads) must all match exactly. These parameters define functional equivalency.

Q: Does the higher millicandela rating of Q6P3BXXG12E affect circuit design?

A: No. Both parts operate at identical voltage and current ratings (12V, 20mA). The increased brightness of the substitute is a result of improved LED efficiency and does not require circuit modification.

Q: Is the wider viewing angle of Q6P3BXXG12E (100° versus 40°) a concern?

A: The wider viewing angle is an enhancement that expands visibility. Applications designed for 40° viewing angle will function correctly with the 100° substitute. This parameter does not constrain substitution.

Q: What is the significance of the IP67 rating on Q6P3BXXG12E?

A: IP67 ingress protection provides enhanced environmental sealing compared to the unspecified rating of the original part. This is a beneficial enhancement for applications exposed to moisture or dust.

Q: Are there any compliance or regulatory differences between these parts?

A: Both parts share identical ECCN (EAR99) and HTSUS (8541.41.0000) classifications. The substitute part carries ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, providing regulatory alignment for current manufacturing standards.

Q: How does the longer wire lead length affect installation?

A: The 7.87" leads (versus 6") provide additional routing flexibility. Excess lead length can be trimmed if necessary. This variation does not prevent substitution and may simplify installation in some configurations.

Q: What is the inventory status for these parts?

A: PM3GD12VW6 has 926 pieces in stock but is classified as obsolete. Q6P3BXXG12E has 925 pieces in stock and is classified as active, ensuring long-term availability for future orders.

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