Standard off-the-shelf NEMA and IEC power cords use fixed connector configurations that often fail to match custom equipment internal wiring layouts. When printers, small control cabinets, and test instruments require dedicated internal power and signal ports, a custom Uni-Mate cable assembly provides a tailored solution: equipment-side termination with a 3-position TE plug housing paired with a standard mains-side AC interface.
This custom TE Uni-Mate 2178473-3 power cable assembly features a clear dual-end structure: TE 2178473-3 Uni-Mate plug (equipment side) ↔ custom cable ↔ NEMA 5-15P to IEC C13 power interface (mains side). It serves as a finished, plug-and-play power and signal wiring solution for commercial and light industrial equipment, eliminating on-site secondary wiring and reducing assembly failure risks. As a professional custom wire harness manufacturer, WireHarnessAssembly provides one-stop ODM/OEM design, DFM optimization, precision production, and full quality testing services.
1. TE Uni-Mate 2178473-3 Connector Verified Specifications
The 2178473-3 is a core model of TE’s Universal MATE-N-LOK (Uni-Mate) series, a popular rectangular connector built for stable wire-to-board and wire-to-wire power and signal connections.
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Parameter
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Details & Engineering Explanation
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Part Number
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TE Connectivity 2178473-3 (Uni-Mate / Universal MATE-N-LOK)
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Configuration
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3-position, 1-row inline layout
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Housing Type
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Plug housing (free-hanging in-line installation)
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Centerline Pitch
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6.35 mm centerline pitch, with a 600 V AC component-level rating per TE datasheet, supporting reliable low-voltage power and signal transmission.
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Connector Body Rating
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600 V AC (per TE official datasheet). Critical Note: The finished cable assembly rating is limited by the lowest-rated component (cable, terminals, AC plug). For standard NEMA 5-15P to C13 configurations, the assembly rated voltage is 125 V AC.
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Operating Temperature
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-55 °C to +125 °C (per TE official datasheet)
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Housing Material & Certification
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PA66 housing material with UL 94V-0 flame retardant rating. Glow wire rating: GWT 750°C (without flame), per TE datasheet.
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Termination Method
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Crimp-style termination (wire and cable crimp connection)
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Locking & Retention Structure
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Features integrated latch housing locking for stable plug-receptacle mating. This housing provides no internal terminal retention structure (per TE official specifications). Terminal holding force relies entirely on terminal lance design and crimp quality, making precise terminal selection and consistent crimping critical for long-term reliability.
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Applicable Circuit
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Suitable for low-power power distribution and low-voltage signal circuits, covering commercial and light industrial wiring scenarios.
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Typical 3-Pin Pinout Reference (Customizable)
Below is a standard 3-pin power pinout for reference. All final wiring layouts follow customer drawings and project specifications to prevent phase or signal errors.
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Pin Number
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Function Definition
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1
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L (Live/Hot)
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2
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N (Neutral)
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3
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PE (Ground/Earth)
Mating receptacle type must be specified in project BOM and verified via TE official mating product charts to ensure full mechanical compatibility.
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2. Cable Assembly Design Core Considerations
2.1 Wire Gauge & Current Derating Rules
The commercial StarTech PXT101_13 cord uses 18 AWG conductors with a published 10 A @ 125 V AC rating for general office equipment use. Final assembly current rating must be validated based on the specific cable insulation temperature rating, wire bundling conditions, ambient temperature, and matched connector terminal current capability to ensure safe continuous operation.
Compatible wire gauges range from 18–14 AWG when paired with official TE MATE-N-LOK crimp terminals. Exact wire compatibility and current capacity are determined by the selected terminal part number, insulation temperature grade, and assembly environment, and should be confirmed before design freeze.
2.2 Voltage Rating Logical Distinction
Connector and full assembly voltage ratings are not identical. The 2178473-3 housing carries a 600 V AC component-level rating, but the complete cable assembly’s maximum voltage is limited by its lowest-rated component. For standard NEMA 5-15P to C13 configurations used in commercial mains power setups, the finished assembly is rated for 125 V AC operation.
2.3 Mechanical Stress Relief & Reliability Optimization
Without integrated terminal locking or built-in strain relief, this connector relies entirely on solid crimps to prevent wire fatigue and disconnection. For applications involving vibration, frequent bending, or pulling force, we recommend custom overmolding or protective boots to extend service life.
2.4 Application Scenario Matching Explanation
The 2178473-3 housing carries a 600 V AC component-level rating at the connector side. In this finished assembly, the NEMA 5-15P to C13 mains interface limits overall operational voltage to 125 V AC. Higher-voltage industrial applications require upgraded cable construction and high-rated power connectors separate from this standard configuration.
3. Customization Capabilities & Options
We offer fully customizable Uni-Mate cable assemblies to suit prototype testing and mass production for commercial and light industrial equipment.
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Cable customization: Fully adjustable cable lengths; PVC, TPE, or PUR jacket options for flex, low-temperature, or oil-resistant requirements; foil and braided shielding available for low-voltage signal circuits
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Wire specification tuning: Matched 18–14 AWG conductors compatible with standard Uni-Mate terminals, selected based on project current and temperature demands
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Connector pairing flexibility: Retain the 2178473-3 plug or swap with alternative MATE-N-LOK housings; compatible with NEMA plugs, IEC ports, and terminal block terminations
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Value-added processing: Precision automated crimping, batch pull-force sampling, custom cable labeling and heat-shrink marking, and overmolded strain relief. All crimp validation follows applicable TE terminal retention specifications to guarantee stable terminal holding performance.
4. Standard Manufacturing & QC Workflow
All custom cable assemblies are manufactured and inspected following ISO 9001 guidelines. Our internal quality and delivery targets support consistent, reliable production for low and high-volume orders.
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Automated wire cutting and stripping, visual insulation defect inspection
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Professional terminal crimping, batch pull-force sampling verification to ensure crimp stability
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Precision terminal insertion into Uni-Mate housing, full-seating visual inspection
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Secondary processing: labeling, sleeving or overmolding per customer drawings
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End-of-line electrical testing: continuity test, insulation resistance test, hipot withstand voltage test
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Final dimensional and appearance inspection, compliance verification
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Standardized packaging and traceable delivery
Standard hipot testing follows industry conventions: 1500 V AC for 1 second with maximum leakage current ≤ 1 mA. Exact test voltage, duration, and leakage limits are adjusted to match the finished assembly’s rating and customer project standards.
5. Wide Application Scenarios
These 125 V AC Uni-Mate cable assemblies are built for reliable power and signal wiring in commercial and light industrial environments, including:
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Desktop office equipment: printers, monitors, commercial host power wiring
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Industrial automation: small control cabinet internal wiring, automation accessory power connection
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Testing and measurement equipment: laboratory diagnostic equipment, portable test instrument wiring
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Commercial electronic equipment: customized power interconnection of intelligent terminal devices
6. Finished Assembly Comprehensive Technical Specifications
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Item
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Specification
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Core Connector
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TE 2178473-3 Uni-Mate 3P plug housing
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Matched AC Interface
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NEMA 5-15P to IEC C13 (custom configurable)
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Assembly Rated Voltage
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125 V AC (limited by power plug and cable)
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Reference Current
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10 A (@125 V AC, commercial cord standard, derating required for actual use)
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Applicable Wire Gauge
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18 AWG – 14 AWG (compatible with official TE MATE-N-LOK crimp terminals; exact terminal part number to be confirmed per TE mating specifications)
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Cable Length
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Fully customizable (standard finished lengths: 0.3m / 0.5m / 1m / 2m; custom lengths available upon request)
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Jacket Material
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PVC (105°C), TPE (125°C), PUR (125°C oil/flex resistant) – industrial-grade temperature-rated insulation
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Standard Testing Items
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Continuity, insulation resistance, hipot withstand voltage (1500 VAC/1s, ≤1mA leakage), crimp pull-force sampling (compliant with TE terminal retention standards)
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7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are common engineering and pre-sales questions for our custom Uni-Mate cable assemblies.
Q1: What is the MOQ and lead time for custom Uni-Mate cable assemblies?
Low minimum order quantity supports 1–5 pieces for prototype testing. Standard sample lead time: 3–7 working days. Mass production orders (50+ units) ship within 10–15 working days, with flexible scheduling for urgent projects.
Q2: Can you produce replacement cable assemblies for legacy Uni-Mate equipment?
We can build custom replacement cable assemblies from customer-provided samples, drawings, or BOM data. All reverse-engineered work is completed under the customer’s confirmation that no third-party intellectual property rights are infringed.
Q3: What quality certifications do your custom wire harnesses support?
We manufacture all custom wire harnesses under ISO 9001 quality-controlled workflows and perform full continuity, insulation, and hipot testing per customer project standards. Custom third-party certification can be arranged for specialized industrial and high-reliability projects based on client requirements.
Q4: Is strain relief overmolding available for 2178473-3 cable assemblies?
Yes. Custom overmolded strain relief uses durable TPU molding material, reinforcing the cable exit point to resist bending fatigue and tensile stress for high-vibration and frequent-movement applications.
Request Custom Quote & DFM Review
Share your wiring drawings, pinout requirements, equipment specifications, or sample photos to receive a free DFM check and customized quotation. We support fast prototype sampling and scalable mass production for all Uni-Mate cable assembly projects.
Our engineering team provides 24-hour technical response and project follow-up. Upload your project files and get a no-obligation quote today.
