Connector selection should never rely on appearance alone. Brand, complete part number, compatible series and operating conditions must be checked together to reduce mismatches between housings, terminals, headers and accessories.
1. Confirm the brand and complete part number
TE Connectivity, Molex and Aptiv each offer multiple connector families with similar shapes. Keep every digit, letter, hyphen and suffix when requesting a quotation. A suffix may identify color, packaging, plating, sealing or a product revision.
Search our catalog by brand or part number: TE Connectivity connectors, Molex connectors and Aptiv connectors.
2. Verify the compatible connector series
- Housing: check positions, keying, latch, color and sealing requirements.
- Terminal: check wire range, plating, reel or loose-piece packaging, and contact gender.
- Header: check pitch, mounting direction, PCB retention and mating interface.
- Accessories: confirm that secondary locks, cavity plugs, seals and backshells belong to the same family.
3. Match the application requirements
Automotive connectors require attention to vibration, temperature, sealing and terminal retention. Industrial automation applications may prioritize mating cycles, interference resistance and serviceability. New-energy equipment also requires checks for current, voltage, temperature rise and creepage distance. Final approval should follow the manufacturer's datasheet and mating drawing.
Frequently asked questions
Can a connector be identified from photos only?
Photos can narrow the search, but they do not replace a complete part number, dimensions and circuit count. Include front-interface, side and latch views, plus any existing labels.
Will connectors with the same brand and position count mate?
Not necessarily. Pitch, keying, terminal design and locking mechanisms can differ between families, so the mating relationship must be verified.
What information is needed for a quotation?
Provide the brand, complete part number, quantity, packaging, application and required delivery date. If the number is incomplete, add clear photos, dimensions, wire range and mating-part information.