Looking for simple wire connector

Interconnect Rectangular Connectors
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1

Hello,

I’m looking for a recommendation for a 3-position wire-to-wire connector system. I tried TE Mini-Universal MATE-N-LOK (172337-1 and 172344-1) however, one of those parts is now out of stock, so I’m looking for a connector family that is more consistently available. I also found the JST SM series (SMP-03V-BC) but the female part is a panel mount.

Application:

  • Connects a 3-wire inductive proximity sensor to a controller
  • 12 VDC
  • Approximately 5–20 mA (sensor is rated up to 200 mA, but the actual load is much lower)
  • Approximately 24–26 AWG wire
  • The connector is used as an inline disconnect so the sensor can easily be removed for service.

Requirements:

  • 3 positions
  • Wire-to-wire (cable-to-cable), not wire-to-board, or panel mount
  • Locking and polarized
  • Easy to crimp with commonly available tools (I already own an iCrimp SN-28B)
  • Inexpensive
  • Good long-term availability
  • No environmental sealing required
  • Does not need a ground contact

Can anyone recommend a connector family that would be a good fit for this application?

Thank you!

2

Greetings,

The SM series may be designed to be panel mountable, but I don’t know that the connector police would come knocking if one chose to leave it hanging.

Given that the male side of the equation tends to be the harder to find in a free-hanging pair, looking at the rectangular housings starting with that in addition to your other criteria would probably be the fastest route to isolating a short list of candidates.

3

Thanks Rick. I may just clip off the panel mounts on the JST SM or buy the TE Mini-Universal MATE-N-LOK from another source. Thanks also for the link. I have gone through those options before. I did order some other connectors and found that the recommended mating parts shown at the bottom of the product page actually didn’t work together, and in another case an additional part was needed. I feel it shouldn’t be this difficult…

4

Hi Shawn1,
We do have a mating option for part 172337-1 that currently shows plenty of stock, take a look at DigiKey part 172329-1 as an inline mating option.

5

Thanks Steve - I did see that part. Isn’t it panel mount?

6

@shawn1

It would be correct that the 172329-1 can be panel mounted.
However you can use it as a cable / free hanging connector too.

If needed the A25653-ND looks like it would be specifically a free hanging connector.