What the key ratings mean for your BOM line
3 positions vs the 5-position sibling
The 431600105 carries identical pitch (0.295 inch / 7.50 mm), current (18 A), voltage (600 V), tin plating, and locking-ramp fastening — the only functional difference is circuit count: 5 positions instead of 3. If the panel or board was laid out for the 5-position member, the 431600303 drops into the same footprint pitch but leaves two circuit positions open — mechanically compatible, electrically functional, but the harness builder needs to confirm whether the two vacant positions are acceptable in the assembly or whether the extra holes affect strain-relief or sealing provisions.
Mating and termination notes
The 431600303 is the male-blade half — it mates with the matching Sabre 43160 female receptacle housing, which accepts the corresponding crimp or solder female contacts. The locking ramp on the header body engages the receptacle latch; confirm the mating half includes the compatible locking feature or the assembly may back out under harness tension. Solder termination is through-hole — verify the PCB pad layout matches the 7.50 mm pitch and that the hole diameter accommodates the brass blade termination.
Sourcing and compliance posture
The 431600303 carries an Active product status with ROHS3 compliance, so it enters new production without restriction and the datasheet, footprint, and material declarations are current. No official successor or cross-reference is listed, so the 5-position and 6-position same-series members are the only directly comparable alternatives within Molex — a cross-family substitute would need to match pitch, voltage rating, and current capacity independently. Quote to order against your BOM quantity.