When a heavy-duty connector series is withdrawn, the instinct is to search for the exact housing or insert number. Often the code has changed or the family is discontinued, and the search stalls. The faster route is cross-referencing: a heavy-duty connector is three separately specified parts, and matching each one settles the replacement. This guide shows what to read and how to turn it into a specification.
What defines interchangeability
A heavy-duty connector is assembled, not single-part. Capture these before looking for a substitute:
| Part | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Housing | Size (e.g. 24B), style (top or side entry), and protection rating (IP65) |
| Insert | Pole count and current rating (e.g. Han E 16E = 16 poles) |
| Contacts | Crimp or screw, sized to the wire cross-section |
| Cable gland | Thread and sealing range (e.g. M20) |
| Locking | The lever or screw type that holds the two halves together |
A photo of the housing, insert and contact — with each code visible — is usually enough for a specialist to propose a match.
Notes by part
- Housing (HARTING 09300240301 = Han B 24B): the size and cable entry decide fit in the cut-out.
- Insert (HARTING 09330162701 = Han E 16E): pole count and current rating must match the load.
- Contacts: crimp vs screw and the wire size decide termination, not the housing.
- Cable gland (HARTING 19000005082 = M20): match the cable diameter and thread.
- Modular & fluid: Stäubli CombiTac mixes power, signal, data and fluid in one frame; RBE/SPC are dry-break and pneumatic couplings.
How a cross-reference is built
- Record the housing, insert and contact codes; photograph each.
- Confirm the housing size and cable entry (top/side).
- Match the insert pole count and current rating.
- Match the contact type and wire size; pick the gland by cable diameter.
- Confirm the locking mechanism, then assemble and continuity-test.
Why use a sourcing specialist
Housings and inserts follow the Han standard dimensions, so several brands (HARTING, ILME and compatibles) share a housing size — but the insert rating and locking must be checked, not assumed. A sourcing partner keeps housings, inserts, contacts and glands on file, checks the candidate against your photos, supplies procurement documentation, and can often ship a stocked equivalent within a day or two instead of waiting on a long factory lead time.
Get a quote
If you have a connector number — current or obsolete — send it with a photo of the housing, insert and contact. We return a cross-reference suggestion, price and lead time, typically within one business day.
- Browse the HARTING range we carry.
- Or go straight to the inquiry form.