The TE Connectivity ET Power 2178186-3 is a 2-position cable plug with female blade socket contacts, designed for high-voltage power distribution in harness assemblies. The plug is free-hanging (in-line) and mates with the corresponding ET Power header or receptacle — the latch holder keeps the pair locked under vibration. A notable feature is the side-to-side stacking direction, meaning multiple plugs can key together to build a multi-position power bus without a separate backshell.
Detection Contacts — What They Do
The plug includes detection contacts — a secondary set of shorter pins that make contact after the main power blades. This lets the system sense when the connector is fully seated before energizing the circuit, which is useful in hot-swap or safety-interlocked power supplies. It is not a standard feature on every ET Power variant, so if your application requires pre-mate sensing, this is the specific member to specify.
The plug housing accepts the matching ET Power crimp terminal (TE part number for the socket contact is not listed here, but the base product number 2178186 covers the housing family). Plan for a separate BOM line for the contacts and the required crimp tool.
Ratings and Environment
The 7.80 mm pitch is wide enough for 500 V creepage without needing a conformal coating on the board. The latch holder provides positive retention, so the connector stays mated in high-vibration environments like engine compartments or conveyor lines.