Littelfuse 023404.6MXW Glass Cartridge Fuse Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Littelfuse 023404.6MXW is a 4.6 A, 250 V AC/DC glass cartridge fuse with a 5mm x 20mm form factor, designed for applications requiring medium-blow response characteristics. This part is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent alternatives that maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility. Substitute parts must preserve the core electrical ratings (4.6 A, 250 V), fuse type (cartridge glass), response time (medium blow), and physical dimensions (5mm x 20mm) to ensure direct functional replacement.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Current Rating	4.6 A
Voltage Rating (AC)	250 V
Fuse Type	Cartridge, Glass
Response Time	Medium Blow
Package / Case	5mm x 20mm
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	100 A
Mounting Type	Requires Holder

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 023404.6MXW is determined by strict equivalence across the following parameters: current rating (4.6 A), voltage rating (250 V AC), fuse type (cartridge glass), response time (medium blow), breaking capacity (100 A), and physical dimensions (5mm x 20mm). All identified substitutes maintain these core electrical and mechanical specifications. Mounting type (requires holder) is preserved across all parametric equivalents. Variations in secondary parameters such as melting I²t, DC cold resistance, and operating temperature range do not preclude substitution when primary electrical and mechanical parameters are identical.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	023404.6MXW	023404.6MXEP	023404.6MXBP	023404.6MXP	MSC-4.6A
Manufacturer	Littelfuse Inc.	Littelfuse Inc.	Littelfuse Inc.	Littelfuse Inc.	OptiFuse
Current Rating (Amps)	4.6 A	4.6 A	4.6 A	4.6 A	4.6 A
Voltage Rating - AC	250 V	250 V	250 V	250 V	250 V
Fuse Type	Cartridge, Glass	Cartridge, Glass	Cartridge, Glass	Cartridge, Glass	Cartridge, Glass
Response Time	Medium Blow	Medium Blow	Medium Blow	Medium Blow	Medium Blow
Package / Case	5mm x 20mm	5mm x 20mm (Axial)	5mm x 20mm	5mm x 20mm	5mm x 20mm
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	100 A	100 A	100 A	100 A	100 A
Mounting Type	Requires Holder	Through Hole	Requires Holder	Requires Holder	Requires Holder
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
DC Cold Resistance	0.034 Ohms	0.0322 Ohms	0.0322 Ohms	0.0322 Ohms	Not specified
Melting I²t	37.3	36.275	36.275	36.275	27.88
Operating Temperature	Not specified	-55°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 125°C

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All identified substitute parts maintain electrical and mechanical equivalence to the 023404.6MXW. Selection among active alternatives should prioritize parts with current product status and enhanced compliance certifications.

Littelfuse 023404.6MXBP and 023404.6MXP are direct parametric equivalents with identical mounting requirements (requires holder), physical dimensions, and electrical ratings. Both parts are active products with ROHS3 compliance and extended operating temperature ranges (-55°C to 125°C). These parts are recommended for applications where the original holder-based mounting configuration is retained.

Littelfuse 023404.6MXEP is functionally equivalent but features through-hole mounting and slightly modified physical dimensions (5.80mm diameter x 22.50mm length). This part is suitable only for applications where the PCB layout accommodates axial through-hole mounting. The 023404.6MXEP carries expanded approval certifications (CE, CSA, K-MARK, PSE, UL) compared to the original part.

OptiFuse MSC-4.6A is a parametric equivalent from an alternative manufacturer, maintaining all core electrical specifications and holder-based mounting. This part carries UL 248 and cULus certifications. The melting I²t value (27.88) is lower than Littelfuse alternatives, which may affect response characteristics in specific circuit applications.

All substitute parts are RoHS3 compliant, addressing environmental compliance requirements not met by the obsolete 023404.6MXW.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can 023404.6MXEP replace 023404.6MXW directly?

A: 023404.6MXEP is electrically equivalent but features through-hole axial mounting instead of holder-based mounting. Direct replacement requires PCB redesign to accommodate the different mounting configuration.

Q: What is the primary difference between 023404.6MXBP and 023404.6MXP?

A: Both parts are parametric equivalents with identical electrical ratings, fuse type, response time, and holder-based mounting. Inventory availability differs (814 Pcs vs. 7541 Pcs), with 023404.6MXP offering greater stock availability.

Q: Is MSC-4.6A from OptiFuse a suitable replacement?

A: MSC-4.6A maintains all core electrical specifications (4.6 A, 250 V, medium blow, 100 A breaking capacity) and holder-based mounting. The lower melting I²t value (27.88 vs. 36.275) may result in faster response in some circuit conditions. Verification of circuit performance is necessary if switching between manufacturers.

Q: Why is 023404.6MXW classified as obsolete?

A: The original part does not meet current RoHS3 compliance requirements. All active substitutes are RoHS3 compliant and carry current product status.

Q: Are all substitutes certified to the same standards?

A: Littelfuse substitutes (023404.6MXEP, 023404.6MXBP, 023404.6MXP) carry CE, CSA, K-MARK, PSE, and UL certifications. MSC-4.6A carries cULus and UL 248 certifications. Application-specific certification requirements should be confirmed before selection.

Q: What is the significance of the melting I²t parameter?

A: Melting I²t determines the thermal energy required to melt the fuse element. Littelfuse parts specify 36.275, while MSC-4.6A specifies 27.88. Lower values indicate faster response to overcurrent conditions. Circuit design may depend on specific I²t characteristics.

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