Should You Use Branded Or Non-Branded Connectors - Miracle Electronics

We see lots of products from brand names that we know about, and then, we also see imitations of such products that look just the same, also feel/taste/function the same, but are available at much lower costs, only because they aren’t a well-known brand yet. This applies to almost every product category like eatables, cosmetics, accessories, and electronics. In the case of electronics, we’ll speak about connectors in this blog.

Which connectors to use – branded or non-branded?

Connectors are specified on customer drawings. But, which connectors should one use – branded or non-branded ones? Well, the form, fit, and function can be the same for both branded and non-branded connectors. The non-branded connectors are referred to as substitute or equivalent components, having several benefits like local availability and cost reduction. However, not every electrical component can be substituted, which makes it very important to review the product application and design details before opting for such substitutes.

What all to consider?

Before deciding on using a substitute connector, it is important that the application, industry, and qualification requirements are assessed. For instance, critical industries like military, aerospace, and medical cannot afford to use downgraded quality products. Moreover, such industries can encounter challenges in using equivalent connectors. When deciding for less critical industries like industrial applications and consumer products, the decision to allow substitute connectors generally falls on the end customer or the individual with design authority. And, if you’re unable to decide, you may always consider consulting your cable assembly manufacturer to review the impacts and constraints of employing an equivalent connector.

Considerations while opting for an equivalent connector

When you decide on using an equivalent connector, again there are quite some considerations you ought to make. Some of the considerations are pin length, pin diameter, pin count, pin pitch, material compatibility, interface tolerances, footprint, polarization, electrical rating, flammability rating, and planned obsolescence.

Benefits of using local component sourcing

It is generally advised to choose local component sourcing for electrical manufacturing. Doing so can help reduce supply chain risk, as well as lower the effective product cost. Other than cost advantages, it can also impact the lead time. It’s always best to plan for samples and mechanical fit checks, so as to have a proper verification of all interconnects and mates. Although it isn’t always advisable to opt for suitable equivalent connectors for every project, but the benefits that they provide can offer tremendous value, when used in the right applications.

Where can you get what you’re looking for?

Miracle Electronics is one of the best cable harnessmanufacturers in India where you can get almost any and every kind of cable harness, both standard as well as customized, along with connectors of all types, such as circular connectors, D-Sub connectors, military specific connectors, and D-38999 circular connectors. With more than two decades of experience in the field, Miracle Electronics knows what it is providing, which is why every product is certified and approved by DGAQA and MSQAA for platform specific applications, and each product is tested well before being delivered to the clients.