3.96 mm pitch — built for power, not signal density
The 0.156" (3.96 mm) pitch on the 179844-1 is wider than the 2.54 mm signal standard. That spacing tells the board layout engineer to expect heavier wire — typically 18-22 AWG — and higher current per circuit, not dense routing. The header is a Power Double Lock series member, which means the mating housing uses a secondary lock to retain the crimped terminals. It is a shrouded-4-wall header, so the plastic walls surround the mating tabs on all four sides. That protects the contacts from stubbing during blind mating and guides the housing straight onto the pins.
3 positions, 2 loaded — a deliberate single-wire entry
The 179844-1 is a 3-position header but only 2 positions are loaded with contacts. The third cavity is a mechanical spacer or keying placeholder. The mating Power Double Lock receptacle housing must also have 3 cavities to match the header's shroud, even if only two wires are populated. The unloaded position is not a defect — it is a standard option in the Power Double Lock series for applications that need a specific cavity count for polarization or panel cutout fit.
Active production — no lifecycle worry
RoHS3 compliant, UL94 V-0 rated PA66 housing. The tin-plated contacts are suited for moderate mating-cycle duty in dry indoor environments.