338696-1 16Pin Automotive Male Connectors Plug

Overview

The 338696-1 is a high-performance, 16-position male terminal housing designed for demanding automotive and industrial applications. As part of the renowned FASTIN-FASTON (FF) product family, this connector offers reliable electrical connections with a robust and user-friendly design. Its polarized housing ensures correct mating alignment, preventing mismating and enhancing assembly efficiency. With an IP67 environmental sealing rating and a wide operating temperature range, the 338696-1 is built to perform reliably in harsh conditions, including exposure to moisture, dust, and temperature extremes. 

Key Features and Benefits

16 Positions in a Compact Design: Accommodates up to 16 terminals, ideal for multi-circuit applications while maintaining a space-saving footprint. The 6 mm (0.236 in) centerline (pitch) balances density with adequate creepage and clearance distances.
Male Terminal Housing: Specifically designed for male (tab) terminals, providing a secure interface with corresponding female housings.

Mating Alignment with Polarizing Rib: The integrated polarizing rib ensures foolproof mating, reducing assembly errors and preventing damage to terminals. The mating alignment feature is supplied as standard, simplifying system integration.
Robust Housing Material: Manufactured from Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT), a high-strength engineering thermoplastic known for excellent dimensional stability, low moisture absorption, and resistance to chemicals and heat.
UL 94V-0 Flammability Rating: The housing material meets stringent flame retardancy requirements, enhancing safety in vehicles and equipment where fire protection is critical.
IP67 Environmental Protection: Fully protected against dust ingress and temporary immersion in water (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes). This makes the connector ideal for under-hood, exterior lighting, transmission, and other exposed automotive applications.

Wide Operating Temperature Range: Rated from -40°C to +105°C (-40°F to +221°F), ensuring reliable performance in extreme cold and high-temperature engine compartments.

Non-Sealable Design: The housing is designed for non-sealed applications, which simplifies assembly where moisture sealing is not required. However, the IP67 rating of the housing itself (when mated with corresponding seals) still provides environmental protection – the “Sealable: No” entry indicates that the housing does not include integral wire seals; proper sealing is achieved through mating with a sealed counter-connector or using separate seals.
RoHS, ELV, REACH Compliant: Fully compliant with EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU (including Delegated Directive 2015/863/EU), EU ELV Directive 2000/53/EC, and China RoHS 2 (Order No. 32 of 2016). It also does not contain any REACH SVHC substances as per the ECHA Candidate List of February 2026 (253 substances), making it environmentally safe and globally accepted.

Physical and Mechanical Specifications

Product Length: 35 mm (1.38 in), providing a compact profile for tight spaces.
Primary Product Color: Black, which offers UV resistance and standard identification for automotive-grade components.
Housing Material: PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) – glass-filled for added strength and thermal stability.
Centerline (Pitch): 6 mm – ensures reliable terminal retention and adequate isolation between adjacent circuits.
Packaging: Supplied in cartons with a standard packaging quantity of 280 pieces per carton, facilitating inventory management and automated assembly lines.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

The 338696-1 meets a wide array of global environmental standards:
EU RoHS (2011/65/EU): Compliant. The product contains no restricted substances above threshold limits. This statement also applies to EEE Category 8 (medical devices) and Category 9 (monitoring and control equipment) as of 22 July 2021.
EU ELV Directive 2000/53/EC: Compliant, ensuring it can be used in end-of-life vehicles without hazardous substance restrictions.
China RoHS 2: Compliant. Hazardous substance content meets standard requirements; no restricted substances are present above threshold limits.
EU REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006: Compliant. Current ECHA Candidate List (February 2026, 253 substances) has been assessed, and the product does not contain any REACH SVHC.
Halogen Content: Not low halogen – contains bromine (Br) or chlorine (Cl) above 900 ppm. This is acceptable for most automotive applications where halogen-free is not mandatory.
Soldering Process Capability: Not applicable – this is a crimp-type connector housing, not designed for soldering.

Applications

The 338696-1 is ideally suited for a variety of automotive and industrial systems, including:
Engine control units (ECU)
Transmission control modules
Body electronics (door locks, window lifts, mirrors)
Lighting systems (headlamps, tail lamps, interior lights)
HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) blowers and actuators
Infotainment and dashboard wiring
Industrial machinery and off-highway equipment requiring IP67-rated connectors
Battery management systems (BMS) in mild-hybrid and electric vehicles
Its 16-pin configuration makes it a versatile choice for signal and low-power applications where multiple connections are concentrated in a single, reliable interface.

Mating and Accessories

The 338696-1 is designed to mate with corresponding female connectors (e.g., 338696-2 or similar FASTIN-FASTON series housings). For a complete interconnection system, compatible female terminal housings, terminals (tab receptacles), and optional sealing components (if required for submersion applications) are available. Always consult the application specification for recommended mating parts and crimping tools.

Why Choose the 338696-1 Connector?

Proven Reliability: The FASTIN-FASTON series has decades of field-proven performance in the harshest environments.
Global Compliance: RoHS, REACH, ELV, and China RoHS certifications ensure hassle-free global market access.
Easy Assembly: Polarizing ribs and clear alignment features reduce assembly time and error rates.
Durability: PBT housing with UL 94V-0 and IP67 rating provides long life even under vibration, temperature cycling, and moisture exposure.
Cost-Effective: Non-sealable design (when wire seals are not required) reduces bill-of-materials cost while still offering housing-level environmental protection when mated.

Conclusion

The 338696-1 16Pin Automotive Male Connectors Plug is a robust, high-quality interconnection solution tailored for automotive and industrial environments. Its combination of 16 positions, 6 mm pitch, IP67 sealing, wide temperature range, and global regulatory compliance makes it an excellent choice for engineers seeking a reliable, easy-to-assemble, and environmentally safe connector. Whether you are designing engine management systems, body electronics, or industrial control panels, the 338696-1 delivers consistent performance and long-term durability.