Littelfuse 0232003.M Glass Cartridge Fuse 3A 250VAC 5x20mm Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Littelfuse 0232003.M is a 3A 250VAC glass cartridge fuse with 5mm x 20mm dimensions, designed for applications requiring medium-blow response characteristics. This part is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent alternatives for ongoing procurement and system maintenance. Substitute parts must maintain identical electrical ratings, mechanical form factor, and functional performance to ensure direct compatibility in existing fuse holder assemblies.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Current Rating	3 A
Voltage Rating (AC)	250 V
Fuse Type	Cartridge, Glass
Response Time	Medium Blow
Package / Case	5mm x 20mm
Mounting Type	Requires Holder
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	100A
Operating Temperature Range	-55°C ~ 125°C
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility is determined by strict equivalence across the following parameters: current rating (3A), voltage rating (250VAC), fuse type (cartridge glass), response time (medium blow), physical dimensions (5mm x 20mm), and breaking capacity (100A). All substitute parts listed maintain these core electrical and mechanical specifications.

Littelfuse Series 232 active equivalents (0232003.MXF19P, 0232003.MXF22P, 0232003.MXF34P, 0232003.MXP) provide direct functional replacement with enhanced RoHS3 compliance and expanded approval certifications. Littelfuse Series 234 alternatives (0234003.MXBP, 0234003.MXP) meet all primary electrical parameters with increased melting I²t values. Eaton GMC series fuses (BK/GMC-3-R, BK1/GMC-3-R, GMC-3-R) and OptiFuse MSC-3A provide cross-manufacturer equivalents with comparable electrical characteristics and established industrial certifications.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Current (A)	Voltage (VAC)	Response Time	Package	Breaking Capacity (A)	Melting I²t	DC Cold Resistance (Ω)	RoHS Status	Product Status
0232003.M	Littelfuse Inc.	3	250	Medium Blow	5x20mm	100	17.65	0.0257	Non-compliant	Obsolete
0232003.MXF19P	Littelfuse Inc.	3	250	Medium Blow	5x20mm	100	17.19	0.0226	ROHS3 Compliant	Active
0232003.MXF22P	Littelfuse	3	250	Medium Blow	5x20mm	100	17.19	0.0226	ROHS3 Compliant	Active
0232003.MXF34P	Littelfuse Inc.	3	250	Medium Blow	5x20mm	100	17.19	0.0226	ROHS3 Compliant	Active
0232003.MXP	Littelfuse Inc.	3	250	Medium Blow	5x20mm	100	17.19	0.0226	ROHS3 Compliant	Active
0234003.MXBP	Littelfuse Inc.	3	250	Medium Blow	5x20mm	100	26.24	0.0431	ROHS3 Compliant	Active
0234003.MXP	Littelfuse Inc.	3	250	Medium Blow	5x20mm	100	26.24	0.0431	ROHS3 Compliant	Active
BK/GMC-3-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	3	250	Medium Blow	5x20mm	100	19	0.026	ROHS3 Compliant	Active
BK1/GMC-3-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	3	250	Medium Blow	5x20mm	100	19	0.026	ROHS3 Compliant	Active
GMC-3-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	3	250	Medium Blow	5x20mm	100	19	0.026	ROHS3 Compliant	Active
MSC-3A	OptiFuse	3	250	Medium Blow	5x20mm	100	15.5	—	ROHS3 Compliant	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For new designs and procurement, Littelfuse Series 232 active variants (0232003.MXP, 0232003.MXF19P, 0232003.MXF22P, 0232003.MXF34P) are the primary recommended substitutes. These parts maintain identical electrical specifications to the obsolete 0232003.M while providing ROHS3 compliance and expanded approval certifications (CE, KC, PSE). The 0232003.MXP variant offers the highest inventory availability (8421 units) and is suitable for high-volume applications.

For applications requiring extended approval coverage, Littelfuse Series 234 alternatives (0234003.MXBP, 0234003.MXP) provide CSA, K-MARK, PSE, and UL certifications. These parts exhibit higher melting I²t values (26.24 versus 17.65), which may affect response characteristics in sensitive circuits.

Eaton GMC series fuses (BK/GMC-3-R, BK1/GMC-3-R, GMC-3-R) provide cross-manufacturer equivalents with CSA, KC-MARK, MITI, and UL certifications. These parts maintain comparable melting I²t (19) and DC cold resistance (0.026 Ω) characteristics.

OptiFuse MSC-3A offers an alternative with lower melting I²t (15.5), suitable for applications requiring faster response characteristics. This part carries cULus and UL 248 certifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can 0232003.MXP be used as a direct replacement for 0232003.M?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical current rating (3A), voltage rating (250VAC), response time (medium blow), physical dimensions (5x20mm), and breaking capacity (100A). The 0232003.MXP is an active product with enhanced RoHS3 compliance and expanded certifications.

Q: What is the difference between Littelfuse Series 232 and Series 234 substitutes?

A: Series 232 and Series 234 parts maintain equivalent electrical ratings and physical form factors. Series 234 variants exhibit higher melting I²t values (26.24 versus 17.19), resulting in slower response characteristics. Selection depends on circuit protection requirements and thermal design specifications.

Q: Are Eaton GMC fuses compatible with Littelfuse fuse holders?

A: Eaton GMC series fuses maintain identical 5x20mm physical dimensions and electrical specifications. Mechanical compatibility depends on fuse holder design. Verify holder specifications before substitution.

Q: How do melting I²t values affect fuse selection?

A: Melting I²t determines the thermal energy required to melt the fuse element. Lower values result in faster response; higher values provide slower response. The original 0232003.M specifies 17.65 I²t. Series 232 active variants (17.19 I²t) provide equivalent response. Series 234 variants (26.24 I²t) and Eaton GMC (19 I²t) exhibit different thermal characteristics and should be selected based on circuit protection requirements.

Q: What certifications are required for my application?

A: Certification requirements depend on end-use application and regional standards. Littelfuse Series 232 variants carry CE, KC, and PSE approvals. Series 234 variants include CSA, K-MARK, PSE, and UL. Eaton GMC series includes CSA, KC-MARK, MITI, and UL. OptiFuse MSC-3A carries cULus and UL 248 certifications. Consult application specifications to determine required approval agencies.

Q: Is the obsolete 0232003.M still available for procurement?

A: The 0232003.M is classified as obsolete. Current inventory of 1084 units is available as new original stock. For long-term supply assurance, transition to active equivalents such as 0232003.MXP or 0232003.MXF19P.

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