If you rely on the Polamco 91 series for EMC backshells, your supply chain may already be at risk.
TE Connectivity has issued an obsolescence notice for the Polamco 91 series, effective 24 November 2025. For many manufacturers, this creates an immediate challenge: finding a reliable replacement that maintains EMC performance, environmental sealing, and connector compatibility.
Engineers searching for a Polamco 91 replacement or alternative often discover that many substitutes require additional termination hardware or fail to match the performance of the original design.
The result is uncertainty, redesign risk, and potential disruption to production timelines.
The Polamco 91 series has been widely used in high-reliability applications where EMC protection and environmental sealing are critical.
With the series now approaching obsolescence, manufacturers must quickly identify a suitable replacement that can integrate into existing interconnect systems without compromising performance.
Cross-referencing alternatives can be difficult because many products:
• require separate sourcing of termination devices
• introduce assembly complexity
• do not fully match the EMC performance of the original design
For aerospace, defence, and other high-reliability industries, this is not a risk that can be taken lightly.
The KEC KC2500 series is the nearest equivalent available, engineered specifically to replace the Polamco 91 while maintaining EMC screening performance and environmental protection.
Rather than a compromise, the KC2500 offers a high-performance alternative designed for long-term availability.
• Blind teeth engage with the connector, creating a metal-to-metal seal for improved conductivity and EMC screening.
• A tapered inner diameter compresses the connector grommet, ensuring an environmental seal equal to or higher than the connector’s IP rating.
• Flexible termination options. The KC2500 supports constant force springs using mod code -123, band straps, or no termination device with the NS suffix.
• Full traceability. All components are fully traceable and supported by NCAGE number U0546.
• Extended screening options. For projects requiring both individual and overall screening, the KC2600 and KC2800 series offer a slotted body and braid option within the same footprint.
• Fully customisable. If our standard sizes do not meet your requirements, every dimension in the KEC backshell can be customised. Whether you need a different cable entry size, a shorter or longer backshell, or extra space to accommodate connectors with larger contacts, our in-house engineering team can adapt the design to suit your application. That is the advantage of working with a UK manufacturer with in-house design and engineering capability.
KEC products are also available through authorised partner Princeps, who currently hold KC2500 stock ready for immediate dispatch. This helps manufacturers avoid disruption caused by Polamco 91 obsolescence.
Use the guide below to identify the closest KEC equivalent for common Polamco and TE backshell configurations.
Polamco 91 → KEC KC2500 (-123)
Nearest equivalent. Use mod code -123 to add the constant force spring termination matching the original Polamco specification.
Polamco BT → KEC KC2500
Direct match for overall screening. Unlike some competitors, the KC2500 is supplied with band straps as standard.
TE TXR (Tinel-Lock) → KEC KC2500
A more effective EMC solution that is easier to assemble than Tinel rings while still providing robust screening.
Polamco 70 → KEC KC2500 (-125)
Matches the 150 mm pre-terminated round braid requirement for overall screening using the -125 option.
Polamco 95 → KEC KC2400
Nearest technical equivalent for braid trap nut or lamp-base thread terminations.
If you are unsure which KC2500 configuration matches your existing assembly, our engineering team can cross-reference part numbers directly.
KEC offers a complete part number matching service. Whether you are currently using Polamco, Glenair, Amphenol, or TE, we can provide a technical cross-reference to ensure your interconnect system remains robust.
And if your application calls for something beyond a standard part, we can help there too. Our backshells are fully customisable, giving you the flexibility to specify the dimensions and features you need without compromising performance.
Contact our team to request the complete series conversion chart and secure a long-term replacement.
