PM3HC LED Panel Indicator Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PM3HC is a panel-mounted LED indicator manufactured by Bivar Inc., designed for applications requiring a red light-emitting diode with clear lens optics. This component features a 625nm wavelength peak, 50mcd brightness rating, and operates at 2V with a maximum current of 30mA. The PM3HC is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active substitute components that maintain functional compatibility for new designs and replacement applications.

Substiute Parts

PM3HC

Bivar Inc.In Stock: 1153PM3HC Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

PM3HD

Bivar Inc.In Stock: 1035PM3HD Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute components for the PM3HC are identified based on strict parameter compatibility within the PM3 series. The primary substitution criterion requires matching electrical specifications: 2V forward voltage and 30mA maximum current. Both the main part and substitute must operate within these electrical parameters to ensure circuit compatibility without modification.

The mechanical form factor is fixed: 3mm T-1 lens size with 0.16" (4.06mm) panel cutout dimensions. This ensures physical interchangeability in existing panel-mounted applications.

The wavelength specification of 625nm red is maintained across substitute parts to preserve color consistency in visual indicator applications.

Key parameters determining substitution eligibility:

• Lamp Color: Red (625nm wavelength)
• Voltage: 2V
• Current: 30mA
• Lens Size: 3mm, T-1
• Panel Cutout: 0.16" (4.06mm)

Parameters that may vary between substitutes while maintaining functional compatibility:

• Millicandela Rating (brightness intensity)
• Viewing Angle (optical dispersion)
• Lens Transparency (clear vs. diffused)
• Product Status (obsolete vs. active)

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The PM3HC is classified as obsolete and no longer in active production. The PM3HD serves as the active substitute within the PM3 series, maintaining identical electrical specifications (2V, 30mA) and mechanical form factor (3mm T-1, 0.16" panel cutout).

For new designs: PM3HD is the recommended selection. It carries ROHS3 compliance certification, ensuring alignment with current environmental regulations. The component is actively manufactured and available in production quantities.

For replacement applications: PM3HD provides direct functional substitution. The electrical compatibility is confirmed through matching voltage and current ratings. The mechanical interchangeability is assured by identical lens size and panel cutout dimensions.

Parameter variations to evaluate:

The PM3HD exhibits a lower millicandela rating (30mcd versus 50mcd). Applications requiring the original 50mcd brightness specification must evaluate whether the reduced intensity of PM3HD meets visibility requirements in the target environment.

The PM3HD features a wider viewing angle (40° versus 30°), resulting in broader light distribution. This characteristic may be advantageous in applications where wider visibility is beneficial, or it may require evaluation if the original narrow-angle specification was critical to the design.

The PM3HD incorporates a red-tinted lens with diffused transparency, compared to the PM3HC's colorless clear lens. This optical difference affects light transmission and appearance. The diffused lens provides softer light distribution, while the clear lens provides sharper light definition.

Compliance and availability: PM3HD is the only active substitute listed for PM3HC within the provided data. Its active production status and ROHS3 compliance make it suitable for applications requiring current environmental standards compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can PM3HD be used as a direct replacement for PM3HC in existing applications?

A: PM3HD provides electrical and mechanical compatibility with PM3HC. Both components operate at 2V with 30mA maximum current and share identical 3mm T-1 lens size and 0.16" panel cutout dimensions. However, the brightness difference (30mcd versus 50mcd) and optical property changes (diffused red lens versus clear colorless lens) must be evaluated for the specific application. If the original design relied on the 50mcd brightness or clear lens characteristics, functional testing is necessary to confirm PM3HD performance in the target environment.

Q: What are the key electrical compatibility factors?

A: The PM3HC and PM3HD share identical forward voltage (2V) and maximum current (30mA) specifications. This ensures that existing circuit designs, including current-limiting resistor calculations and power supply requirements, remain valid when substituting PM3HD for PM3HC. No circuit modifications are required based on electrical parameters.

Q: How do the optical differences affect application performance?

A: The PM3HC features a clear colorless lens with 30° viewing angle and 50mcd brightness. The PM3HD features a red-tinted diffused lens with 40° viewing angle and 30mcd brightness. The diffused lens softens light output and reduces peak brightness, while the wider viewing angle distributes light over a broader area. Applications sensitive to brightness intensity or requiring narrow-angle light concentration should evaluate these differences.

Q: Are there packaging differences between PM3HC and PM3HD?

A: PM3HC packaging is listed as unspecified in the provided data. PM3HD is supplied in bag packaging. Both components share identical physical form factors (3mm T-1 lens, 0.16" panel cutout), ensuring mechanical interchangeability regardless of packaging format.

Q: What compliance certifications apply to PM3HD?

A: PM3HD carries ROHS3 compliance certification, meeting current environmental regulations for restricted substances. Both PM3HC and PM3HD share identical ECCN (EAR99) export classification and HTSUS (8541.41.0000) tariff classification.

Q: Why is PM3HC classified as obsolete?

A: The PM3HC is no longer in active production. PM3HD represents the current active product within the PM3 series, offering equivalent functionality with updated compliance certifications and continued manufacturing support.

Q: Are there other substitutes available for PM3HC?

A: Based on the provided data, PM3HD is the listed substitute for PM3HC. The PM3HD specification indicates an additional substitute reference (5580101001F), which may represent an alternative from a different manufacturer or product line, but this component is not detailed in the current dataset.