3M™ Link Connector, 381 Series

  • 3M Product Number 381 Series
  • 3M ID B00038861
  • UPC 04547452227549

Quick and reliable Insulation Displacement Contact (IDC) termination for power and signal applications

No special tools are required for assembly, terminate 2 or 4 positions simultaneously

The same 3M Link Connector 381 Series can be used for T-branching from the main bus line or for junction tap connections, helping simplify inventory

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Highlights
  • Quick and reliable Insulation Displacement Contact (IDC) termination for power and signal applications
  • No special tools are required for assembly, terminate 2 or 4 positions simultaneously
  • The same 3M Link Connector 381 Series can be used for T-branching from the main bus line or for junction tap connections, helping simplify inventory
  • Latching mechanism maintains a reliable connection in demanding field applications
  • Four-point contact structure provides high contact reliability
  • Compatible with wire sizes 22-16 AWG for round cable and 20-16 AWG for 2.54mm pitch for flat cable
  • Available in 2 or 4 positions, 5 Amp maximum current carrying capacity per contact
  • Compatible with 3M Link Connector 382 Series board mount connectors, in a vertical or right-angle configuration
  • Features color-coded connectors to easily identify the connector required depending on wire size

3M™ Link Connector, 381 Series is a detachable, highly configurable and versatile solution for branching and network connections that helps streamline your design. The connector uses IDC termination for T-branching and splicing of sensor and device networks and does not require special tools for assembly. Simply place wires in the connector cover and press together with standard pliers. IDC termination does not require wire stripping and therefore reduces waste. This hermaphroditic connector mates with both itself and with the 3M™ Link Connector 382 Series boardmount header, allowing simple branching off a trunk line to individual components, or tap connections to extend a trunk line, significantly reducing extra wiring and reducing the need for extra terminal blocks.

A blue banner with two numbered images showing the steps to complete IDC termination.
Featuring IDC Termination

All 3M Link Connectors feature Insulation Displacement Contact (IDC) termination technology. Invented by 3M in 1961, the IDC method allows technicians to terminate multiple wires simultaneously without wire stripping for fast, reliable installation and maintenance in the field.

Better connections all across the system

Form detachable wire-to-wire connections splicing off of trunk lines anywhere in the system by using a T-branch type connection using 3M Connector 381 Series. These connectors are ideal for branching required off main bus line applications to connect to additional sensors or components – saving space, simplifying installation, and reducing longer lengths of wiring back to terminal blocks or a control unit.

  • Diagram showing traditional connection methods requiring more cable.
  • Diagram showing 3M Link Connector methods requiring less cable with simpler installation.

  • A table providing details on compatible wire size by wire type.
  • Compatible with a variety of round and flat cable sizes

    3M Link Connector, 381 Series supports wire sizes 22-16 AWG for round cable and wire sizes 20-16 with a 2.54mm pitch for flat cable. The compact design of the connectors makes them ideal for systems where wire routing and board space is limited.

Recommended application icons representing wire branching, wire-to-board connecting, and wire-to-wire connecting.

Typical properties

Application

Wire Branching, Wire-to-wire Connecting, Wire-to-board Connecting

Connection Type

IDC

Connector Style

Plug

Insulation Material

Thermoplastic

Maximum Conductor Size (Imperial)

18 AWG, 20 AWG, 22 AWG

Maximum Conductor Size (Metric)

0.3 mm², 0.5 mm², 0.75 mm²

Minimum Conductor Size (Imperial)

18 AWG, 20 AWG, 22 AWG

Minimum Conductor Size (Metric)

0.3 mm², 0.5 mm², 0.75 mm²

Mounting Type

Wiremount

Number of Contact Rows

1

Number of Contacts

2 , 4

Pitch (Imperial)

0.1 in

Pitch (Metric)

2.54 mm

Product Color

Gray, Orange, Black, White, Yellow, Green, Light Blue, Pink

Specifications Met

RoHS 2011/65/EU, China RoHS

Tech Sheet Number

TS-2098

Termination Method

IDC

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Similar products

Application Wire Branching, Wire-to-wire Connecting, Wire-to-board Connecting
Connection Type IDC
Connector Style Plug
Insulation Material Thermoplastic
Maximum Conductor Size (Imperial) 18 AWG, 20 AWG, 22 AWG
Maximum Conductor Size (Metric) 0.3 mm², 0.5 mm², 0.75 mm²
Minimum Conductor Size (Imperial) 18 AWG, 20 AWG, 22 AWG
Minimum Conductor Size (Metric) 0.3 mm², 0.5 mm², 0.75 mm²
Mounting Type Wiremount
Number of Contact Rows 1
Number of Contacts 2 , 4
Pitch (Imperial) 0.1 in
Pitch (Metric) 2.54 mm
Product Color Gray, Orange, Black, White, Yellow, Green, Light Blue, Pink
Specifications Met RoHS 2011/65/EU, China RoHS
Tech Sheet Number TS-2098
Termination Method IDC
The technical information and data shown on this page should be considered representative or typical only and should not be used for specification purposes. 3M products shown on this website may not be available in all geographic regions or may not be available at this time. Please contact your local sales representative to determine product availability.