| Current | Pitch | Circuits | Operating Temperatures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 12.5A | 2.50, 3.30, 4.50 and 6.50mm | 2 to 12 | -40 to 105°C |
Features and Benefits
Manufacturers struggle with mis-mating and wiring errors in complex systems with multiple connectors of similar design. Other challenges include intermittent connections, field failures and long-term reliability risks that can increase cost and safety hazards. Engineers also need solutions for balancing design flexibility and performance requirements.
Robust connector mating features with various configuration options enable design flexibility for systems with multiple connectors and promote error-free assembly. Verified terminal seating and secure retention ensure consistent electrical performance across applications and environments. Connector solutions that adapt to different pitch, power and layout requirements without compromising reliability promote scalable designs and efficient production.
CP Connectors offer full keying with color-coded housings across multiple pitch options (2.50, 3.30, 4.50 and 6.50mm), enabling flexible system design, helping prevent mis-mating and simplifying identification in complex assemblies. Terminal position assurance (TPA) retainers provide secondary locking to confirm full terminal insertion and help protect against vibration, moisture ingress and terminal back-out. Additionally, these Glow Wire-capable connectors feature inertia locking with audible/tactile feedback, combined with multiple configurations (wire-to-wire, wire-to-board and panel mount versions) and high-temperature/potting compatibility. This enables reliable connections across diverse applications while supporting efficient, high-volume assembly.
CP Connector Selection Guide
| Connectors | Pitch | Current | Circuits | Wire Gauge | Style | Operating Temperatures | Colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CP‑2.5 | 2.50mm | Up to 3.0A | 2 to 8 | 28 to 22 AWG | Wire-to-wire | -40 to +85°C | Natural, black, red, blue |
| CP‑3.3 | 3.30mm | Up to 8.5A | 2 to 6 4 to 12 |
28 to 22 AWG 22 to 18 AWG |
Wire-to-wire Wire-to-board |
-40 to +105°C | Natural, black, red, yellow, blue, green, pink, grey, orange, violet |
| CP‑4.5 | 4.50mm | Up to 10.0A | 2 to 6 | 26 to 16 AWG | Wire-to-wire | -40 to +120°C | Natural, black, red, yellow, blue, orange, green, grey |
| CP‑6.5 | 6.50mm | Up to 12.5A | 2 to 6 | 26 to 16 AWG | Wire-to-wire Wire-to-board |
-40 to +120°C | Natural, black, red, blue, pink, brown, grey, mint, purple |
Datasheets and Guides
Datasheet (PDF)
Videos
Applications by Industry
Air conditioners
Countertop appliances
Dishwashers
Dryers
Microwaves
Oven
Refrigerator
Washing machine
Automotive lighting
Commercial HVAC systems
Residential HVAC systems
Water heaters
Autoclaves
This is not a definitive list of applications for this product. It represents some of the more common uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Molex CP Connectors and what configurations are available?
CP Connectors are wire-to-wire and wire-to-board interconnect systems designed to provide accurate mating and reliable power delivery in consumer, home appliance and industrial applications. The CP family includes multiple configurations: CP-2.5 (2.50mm pitch, wire-to-wire versions), CP-3.3 (3.30mm pitch, wire-to-wire and wire-to-board versions), CP-4.5 (4.50mm pitch, wire-to-wire versions), and CP-6.5 (6.50mm pitch; wire-to-wire, wire-to-board and panel-mount versions). These options enable engineers to select the appropriate solution based on space, current requirements and application environment.
What current ratings and pitch sizes do CP Connectors support?
The CP connector family is available in 2.50, 3.30, 4.50 and 6.50mm pitches, supporting a wide range of electrical requirements. Higher-pitch variants such as CP 6.5 support currents up to 12.5A, while smaller pitches are suited for lower-current applications. This flexibility allows engineers to balance power density, board space and performance requirements when selecting a connector.
How do CP Connectors help prevent mis-mating and wiring errors?
CP Connectors are designed with color-coded housings and mechanical polarization keys, ensuring only correct mating combinations are possible. Connectors with mismatched colors or keying features physically cannot mate, significantly reducing the risk of wiring errors, electrical shorting and costly rework. This makes them especially valuable in high-volume manufacturing and multi-connector systems.
How do color-coded CP Connectors improve assembly in multi-connector systems?
The CP Connector portfolio offers up to 12 housing colors, enabling clear visual identification of mating pairs during assembly and servicing. In applications with multiple connectors, such as appliances and HVAC systems, this color differentiation helps operators quickly match the correct connections, improving assembly speed, accuracy and serviceability.
What locking features do CP Connectors offer, and how does inertia locking work?
CP Connectors incorporate both positive locking and inertia locking mechanisms to ensure secure mating. The inertia lock design enables low insertion force engagement with a tactile and audible “click,” confirming full connector seating. This feature helps prevent incomplete mating while improving assembly efficiency and connector reliability in use.
Are CP Connectors suitable for applications with vibration and thermal cycling?
Yes, CP Connectors are widely used in applications such as washing machines, dishwashers, dryers and HVAC systems where vibration and thermal cycling are common. Their secure locking, terminal retention and robust housing design help maintain reliable electrical connections, reducing the risk of issues such as fretting corrosion and intermittent contact failures over time.
Are CP Connectors suitable for moisture-prone or harsh environments?
Yes, CP Connectors are potting capable, making them suitable for environments exposed to moisture, liquids or contaminants. Potting helps protect the PCB and connector interface from ingress while improving resistance to shock and vibration. This is particularly important in appliance applications such as washing machines and dishwashers, where environmental protection is crucial.
What safety and environmental standards do CP Connectors meet?
CP Connectors are designed to meet global safety and environmental requirements, including Glow Wire capability and halogen-free materials. These features make them suitable for use in consumer and industrial applications that require compliance with safety standards related to fire resistance and environmental regulations.
When should I choose CP Connectors over other wire-to-board connector systems?
CP Connectors are ideal when applications require moderate-to-high current capability, fast and proper assembly, and reliable performance in demanding environments. They are particularly well suited for appliances, HVAC systems and industrial equipment where mis-mating, wiring errors or assembly inefficiencies must be minimized.
