Molex Mini-SPOX Connector: Complete Guide to 2.50mm Pitch, Part Numbers, Specs & Wire-to-Board Applications
Introduction
The Molex Mini-SPOX is one of the most underrated connectors in the 2.50 mm pitch category. While engineers routinely reach for JST XH or Molex KK 254 for signal and low-power wire-to-board connections, the Mini-SPOX offers a distinct combination of friction-lock retention, phosphor-bronze terminals, and a compact single-row footprint that makes it the superior choice in a specific — and very common — set of applications.
This guide covers everything: the complete electrical and mechanical specification from Molex datasheets, the full part-number system (housings, headers, terminals, and pre-crimped assemblies), a step-by-step selection workflow, and a direct three-way comparison against KK 254 and JST XH 2.50mm. Whether you are designing a new PCB or sourcing a replacement harness, this is the reference you need.
Ready to source? Browse our Molex Mini-SPOX (MX5264) connector collection for housings, terminals, and pre-crimped assemblies.
1. What Is the Molex Mini-SPOX?
The Mini-SPOX is a wire-to-board and wire-to-wire signal connector family manufactured by Molex, centered on the 5264 series receptacle housing. It was designed for applications requiring a reliable, low-profile, single-row interconnect at 2.50 mm pitch — a pitch that sits between the ultra-compact 2.00 mm (Micro-Latch) and the legacy 2.54 mm (KK 254) standards.
Key identity markers that distinguish Mini-SPOX from competing 2.50 mm connectors:
- 2.50 mm pitch (center-to-center terminal spacing)
- Single-row housing only (no dual-row variant)
- Friction lock retention (no positive latch — a deliberate design choice for low-insertion-force applications)
- Natural (white) nylon housing, UL 94V-0 rated
- Phosphor bronze terminals with tin plating
- Circuit counts from 2 to 12 pins
- Operating temperature: -55°C to +105°C
The friction-lock mechanism is the defining characteristic. Unlike the positive-latch systems on JST XH or Molex Mini-Fit Jr., Mini-SPOX relies on terminal-to-housing friction for retention. This makes mating and unmating faster and requires no latch depression — ideal for applications with frequent connector cycling or space-constrained panel access.
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2. Key Electrical & Mechanical Specifications
All data sourced from Molex product specification documents for series 5264 (receptacle housing) and series 226431 (pre-crimped cable assemblies).
Electrical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum current per circuit | 3.0 A |
| Maximum voltage | 250 V |
| Contact plating — mating zone | Tin (Sn), min 0.889 μm |
| Contact plating — solder zone | Tin (Sn), min 0.914 μm |
Mechanical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Pitch (mating interface) | 2.50 mm |
| Number of rows | 1 (single row) |
| Circuit range | 2 to 12 |
| Housing material | Nylon (PA66) |
| Housing color | Natural (white) |
| Flammability rating | UL 94V-0 |
| Operating temperature | -55°C to +105°C |
| Locking mechanism | Friction lock (no positive latch) |
| Polarized mating | Yes |
| Panel mount | No |
| Stackable | No |
| Terminal material | Phosphor Bronze |
| Wire gauge (pre-crimped assemblies) | 22 AWG |
| Wire type (pre-crimped assemblies) | UL 1569 |
| Terminal interface type | Crimp or Compression |
Agency Approvals
| Agency | File / Standard |
|---|---|
| UL | E29179 |
3. The Complete Mini-SPOX Part Number System
Mini-SPOX is a system of four interrelated component families. Selecting the correct part from each category is essential for a reliable assembly.
Series 5264 — Receptacle Crimp Housing (Wire Side)
The 5264 series is the core of the Mini-SPOX system — the free-hanging receptacle housing that accepts female crimp terminals and mates to a PCB header. Available in 2 to 12 circuits, natural nylon.
| Circuits | Engineering Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 5264-02 | Smallest configuration |
| 3 | 5264-03 | |
| 4 | 5264-04 | Common in fan/sensor harnesses |
| 5 | 5264-05 | |
| 6 | 5264-06 | Common in signal bus applications |
| 7 | 5264-07 | Part 50375073 (UPC 800753749528) |
| 8 | 5264-08 | |
| 9 | 5264-09 | |
| 10 | 5264-10 | |
| 11 | 5264-11 | |
| 12 | 5264-12 | Maximum circuit count |
Series 5263 — Female Crimp Terminals
The 5263 series female crimp terminals are the only terminals compatible with 5264 receptacle housings. Stamped from phosphor bronze and tin-plated for reliable low-resistance contact.
- Wire range: 22–28 AWG (depending on variant)
- Plating: Tin (Sn)
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Crimp type: Crimp or Compression
Series 5267 — Vertical PCB Headers (Board Side)
- Orientation: Vertical (90° to PCB)
- Mount type: Through-hole
- Available circuits: 2 to 12
Series 5268 — Right-Angle PCB Headers (Board Side)
- Orientation: Right-angle (0° to PCB)
- Mount type: Through-hole
- Available circuits: 2 to 12
Series 226431 — Pre-Crimped Cable Assemblies (OTS)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Series | 226431 |
| Application | Signal, Wire-to-Board, Wire-to-Wire |
| Assembly type | Single Ended (pigtail) |
| Wire gauge | 22 AWG |
| Wire type | UL 1569 |
| Terminal plating | Tin (Sn) |
| Housing color | Natural |
➡️ Browse MX5264 pre-crimped assemblies in stock at Keszoox
4. Compliance & Environmental Certifications
| Standard | Status |
|---|---|
| EU RoHS (2015/863) | Compliant |
| China RoHS (SJ/T 11365-2006) | Compliant |
| REACH SVHC (D(2025)7771-DC, 04 Feb 2026) | Not Contained |
| Low-Halogen (IEC 61249-2-21) | Compliant |
| IPC 1752A Class C & D | Supported |
| IEC-62474 | Supported |
| chemSHERPA (xml) | Supported |
The Low-Halogen certification per IEC 61249-2-21 and REACH SVHC clearance (updated February 2026) make Mini-SPOX suitable for medical, telecom, and consumer electronics applications where material compliance documentation is mandatory.
5. Friction Lock vs Positive Latch: Why It Matters
The most misunderstood aspect of Mini-SPOX selection is its friction-lock retention system. Engineers accustomed to positive-latch connectors (JST XH, Molex Mini-Fit Jr., Molex Micro-Fit 3.0) sometimes assume friction lock means "less secure." This is incorrect — it means differently secured, and for many applications it is the superior choice.
How Friction Lock Works
In a friction-lock connector, retention force comes from the interference fit between the terminal and the housing cavity, plus the spring force of the terminal contact against the header pin. There is no external latch tab to depress during unmating — the connector pulls straight out with a controlled extraction force.
When Friction Lock Is the Right Choice
- Frequent mating/unmating cycles: No latch tab means no latch fatigue or breakage over time.
- Space-constrained access: Friction lock allows straight-pull extraction with a fingernail or extraction tool.
- Low-vibration environments: Consumer electronics, instrumentation, medical devices.
- Cost-sensitive designs: Friction-lock housings are simpler to mold and typically lower cost.
When to Choose a Positive-Latch Alternative Instead
If your application involves vibration above 5G, shock loads, or safety-critical connections, choose a positive-latch connector such as JST XH or Molex Micro-Fit 3.0. For high-current power connections, Mini-SPOX is not appropriate — its 3A/250V rating is a signal-level specification.
6. Mini-SPOX Selection Workflow
Step 1 — Determine circuit count: Mini-SPOX supports 2 to 12 circuits.
Step 2 — Select header orientation: Vertical wire exit → series 5267. Parallel wire exit → series 5268.
Step 3 — Select receptacle housing: Series 5264 in the matching circuit count.
Step 4 — Select terminals: Series 5263 female crimp terminals, matched to wire gauge (22–28 AWG).
Step 5 — Crimp or pre-crimped? Series 226431 pre-crimped OTS assemblies for prototyping; in-house crimping for high-volume production.
Step 6 — Verify current and voltage: Maximum 3.0 A per circuit, 250 V. If exceeded, consider Molex Mini-Fit Jr. (13A) or Micro-Fit 3.0 (5A).
➡️ Shop MX5264 Mini-SPOX components at Keszoox
7. Mini-SPOX vs KK 2510 vs JST XH 2.50mm: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Parameter | Molex Mini-SPOX (5264) | Molex KK 2510 | JST XH 2.50mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pitch | 2.50 mm | 2.50 mm | 2.50 mm |
| Max current / circuit | 3.0 A | 3.0 A | 3.0 A |
| Max voltage | 250 V | 250 V | 250 V |
| Rows | Single | Single | Single |
| Max circuits | 12 | 12 | 16 |
| Locking mechanism | Friction lock | Friction lock | Positive latch |
| Terminal material | Phosphor Bronze | Brass | Brass |
| Operating temp | -55 to +105°C | -40 to +105°C | -25 to +85°C |
| Flammability | UL 94V-0 | UL 94V-0 | UL 94V-0 |
| Pre-crimped OTS assemblies | Yes (series 226431) | Yes | Yes |
| Typical application | Signal, instrumentation, consumer electronics | General signal, legacy designs | Signal, RC/hobby, consumer electronics |
Key Decision Points
Choose Mini-SPOX / MX5264 when: you need phosphor bronze terminals, operating temperature below -40°C, or Molex compliance documentation.
Choose KK 2510 when: replacing an existing KK 2510 harness. Both share 2.50 mm pitch but are not cross-compatible.
Choose JST XH when: positive latch is required for vibration resistance. Note JST XH's -25°C lower temperature limit.
➡️ Shop Molex Mini-SPOX MX5264 | Shop Molex KK 254 | Shop JST XH 2.5mm
8. Pre-Crimped Mini-SPOX Cable Assemblies: Specifications & Length Guide
Assembly Specifications (Series 226431)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Connector end | 5264 receptacle housing (Mini-SPOX) |
| Other end | Pigtail (bare wire, stripped and tinned) |
| Wire gauge | 22 AWG |
| Wire standard | UL 1569 |
| Terminal plating | Tin (Sn) |
| Housing color | Natural (white) |
| Terminal locking | Yes (terminal locked in housing) |
| Assembly type | Single-ended (one connector, one pigtail) |
Available Lengths at Keszoox
- 100 mm — Board-to-board jumpers, internal PCB connections
- 150 mm — Short panel harnesses, sensor connections
- 200 mm — Standard internal wiring
- 300 mm — Panel-to-board harnesses
➡️ Browse MX5264 pre-crimped assemblies — all lengths in stock
9. Real-World Applications
Consumer Electronics & Home Appliances
Mini-SPOX / MX5264 is widely used for internal signal harnesses: display panel connections, button/LED wiring, sensor interfaces, and BMS cell-voltage monitoring leads.
Industrial Instrumentation
The -55°C to +105°C operating range and UL 94V-0 rating make MX5264 suitable for data loggers, measurement equipment, and process control instrumentation.
Medical Devices
Full RoHS, China RoHS, REACH SVHC, and Low-Halogen compliance satisfies IEC 60601-1 material documentation requirements for patient monitoring and diagnostic instruments.
Robotics & Automation
Cost-effective signal interconnect for encoder feedback, limit switch wiring, and sensor bus connections in low-vibration robotic applications.
Prototyping & Maker Projects
Pre-crimped OTS assemblies (series 226431) make MX5264 accessible without crimp tooling investment.
➡️ Shop MX5264 Mini-SPOX for your project | JST & Molex Assortment Kits
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between Molex Mini-SPOX and SPOX?
Both use 2.50 mm pitch, but Mini-SPOX (MX5264) refers to the current-production 5264 series. Always verify by series number: 5264 (housing), 5263 (terminal), 5267/5268 (headers).
Q: Is Mini-SPOX the same pitch as JST XH?
Yes — both use 2.50 mm pitch. They are not cross-compatible. Do not attempt to mate a Mini-SPOX receptacle to a JST XH header or vice versa.
Q: Can I use Mini-SPOX for power connections?
Maximum 3.0 A per circuit. For higher current, use Molex Mini-Fit Jr. (13A) or Micro-Fit 3.0 (5A).
Q: What crimp tool do I need for 5263 terminals?
Molex 638190200A hand crimp tool or equivalent ratcheting crimper. Pull-force minimum: 20 N for 22 AWG wire.
Q: What is the mating cycle life of Mini-SPOX?
Minimum 30 mating cycles per Molex specification.
Q: Are Mini-SPOX / MX5264 connectors RoHS compliant?
Yes — EU RoHS (2015/863), China RoHS, Low-Halogen per IEC 61249-2-21, and REACH SVHC Not Contained as of February 2026.
Q: What is the difference between 5267 and 5268 headers?
5267 = vertical through-hole header (wire exits perpendicular to PCB). 5268 = right-angle through-hole header (wire exits parallel to PCB).
Q: Can I get pre-crimped MX5264 assemblies with both ends terminated?
Standard 226431 assemblies are single-ended. Contact Keszoox for custom dual-ended assemblies.
Q: What wire gauge is compatible with Mini-SPOX terminals?
5263 terminals support 22–28 AWG depending on variant. Standard OTS assemblies use 22 AWG UL 1569.
Q: Is Mini-SPOX suitable for outdoor use?
Rated -55°C to +105°C with UL 94V-0 flammability, but no IP ingress protection rating. Apply conformal coating for wet environments.
11. Conclusion
The Molex Mini-SPOX (MX5264 / series 5264) occupies a precise niche: a 2.50 mm pitch, single-row, friction-lock signal connector with phosphor bronze terminals, -55°C to +105°C operating range, and full compliance for regulated markets.
- Use 5264 receptacle housing, 5267 vertical header, 5268 right-angle header
- Use 5263 female crimp terminals — 22–28 AWG
- Use 226431 pre-crimped OTS assemblies for prototyping (22 AWG, UL 1569)
- Maximum: 3.0 A per circuit, 250 V
- Operating range -55°C to +105°C — wider than JST XH (-25°C lower limit)
- Fully RoHS, China RoHS, REACH, and Low-Halogen compliant
Browse Molex Mini-SPOX MX5264 Collection at Keszoox → | Molex KK 254 | JST XH 2.5mm | Assortment Kits