Connector product attributes

Connector data is hard because a connector is rarely one part. A working connection usually needs a housing, contacts, sometimes a mating header, and the right crimp tool, each with its own part number. Supplier files describe each piece separately and seldom state what mates with what, so the catalog has to capture those relationships explicitly or buyers end up with parts that do not go together.

Physical fit depends on more than pitch. Two connectors with the same 2.00 mm pitch and position count can belong to different families with incompatible housings and keying. Position count, row count, gender, mounting orientation and termination style all have to be governed values. Wire gauge range for crimp contacts and board mounting style for headers decide whether the part suits the application at all.

Electrical ratings need context. Current per contact is often quoted with a specific wire gauge and with only some contacts energized, and contact finish thickness strongly affects mating cycles and contact reliability. Flammability and RoHS data sit in separate documents from the datasheet. Storing each value with its conditions keeps comparisons honest across manufacturers.

The connectors attribute template

18 candidate fields in 5 groups, ordered the way a record gets built: identify the item, capture its specifications, then record fit and the evidence behind any claim. 10 are marked Core: without them the item cannot be identified or filtered. Example values show the expected format only; they do not describe a real SKU.

Identity

Which exact item, variant and pack this record describes.

Check before use: Preserve leading zeros and punctuation, validate against the manufacturer record, and check the GTIN check digit and packaging level before linking.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN) manufacturer_part_number_mpn	Identifier	Core	CH-2.0-03-CR
GTIN-13 / UPC gtin_13_upc	Identifier	Core	5412345000297

Technical specifications

Measured or rated values that must travel with their unit and test conditions.

Check before use: Store the number and unit separately. Convert only when the source unit and test conditions are known.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Operating Temperature Range operating_temperature_range	Text · °C	Core	-40 °C to +105 °C
Current Rating per Contact current_rating_per_contact	Number · A	Buyer decision	2 A per contact (24 AWG, all positions energized)
Voltage Rating voltage_rating	Number · V	Buyer decision	100 V AC/DC
Contact Finish Thickness - Mating contact_finish_thickness_mating	Number · µin	Buyer decision	30 µin (0.76 µm) gold over nickel

Selection attributes

The type, material and option choices buyers filter and compare on.

Check before use: Map supplier wording to a governed vocabulary only after checking the source text and which variant it applies to.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Connector Type connector_type	Controlled list	Core	Receptacle
Contact Type (Gender) contact_type_gender	Controlled list	Core	Female Socket
Number of Positions number_of_positions	Number	Core	3
Pitch - Mating pitch_mating	Number · mm	Core	2.00 mm (0.079 in)
Number of Rows number_of_rows	Number	Core	1
Termination termination	Controlled list	Core	Crimp
Contact Finish - Mating contact_finish_mating	Controlled list	Buyer decision	Gold
Wire Gauge Range (Accepted) wire_gauge_range_accepted	Text · AWG	Buyer decision	24-28 AWG

Fit & compatibility

What the item mounts to, mates with, replaces or works alongside.

Check before use: Keep model and series qualifiers. A similar-looking part is not a verified fit until a source says so.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Mounting Type mounting_type	Controlled list	Core	Free hanging (wire-to-board housing)

Evidence & compliance

Listings, standards, classifications and origin claims that need a document behind them.

Check before use: Link the manufacturer document or label with its edition or date. Never copy a certification from a neighboring SKU.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
RoHS Status rohs_status	Controlled list	Channel / evidence	RoHS3 Compliant (EU 2015/863)
UL 94 Flammability Rating ul_94_flammability_rating	Controlled list	Channel / evidence	UL94 V-0
Country of Origin country_of_origin	Controlled list	Channel / evidence	Japan (JP)

Normalize supplier values

The same value arrives in many spellings. Map each raw string to one governed value, and keep the raw text beside it so a reviewer can see what the supplier actually wrote.

Often missing from supplier files

These fields are commonly absent from price lists and basic feeds, even though the information usually exists in a datasheet, label or installation manual. Treat an empty value as a request for evidence, not as permission to fill it from a similar model.

• Mates With (mating part number)
• Mating Cycles (Durability)
• Crimp Tool / Applicator Part Number
• Current Rating Basis (per contact vs all energized)
• Ingress Protection Rating (mated condition)

Questions the record must answer

Buyers and counter-sales reps choosing connectors ask questions like these. Each one needs a specific field, sourced for the exact variant.

• Which header does this 3-position crimp housing mate with?
• What contacts and crimp tool do I need for 26 AWG wire?
• How many mating cycles is the gold finish rated for?
• Is this current rating per contact with all positions loaded?

From supplier file to record

1. Resolve identity first. Link the supplier SKU, manufacturer part number and packaging identifiers without merging distinct variants or pack sizes.
2. Extract with the source attached. Pull values from rows, tables and datasheets, keeping the raw text, unit and page or row reference.
3. Map to your classification. Assign the ETIM, ECLASS, UNSPSC or internal class your company licenses, and keep the supplier's original terms.
4. Review, sync and watch. Hold conflicts and safety-related values for a category expert, write approved values to ERP or PIM, and recheck when the supplier sends a new file.

For the full method, see how to build a category attribute template and the category catalog gap audit.

FAQ