Equivalent & Substitute Parts for 3AB 2 Ceramic Fuse

Part Overview

The 3AB 2 is a 2A 250VAC ceramic cartridge fuse manufactured by Bel Fuse Inc., designed for fast-blow protection in AC/DC applications. This fuse requires a dedicated holder (3AB or 3AG type) and is housed in a 1/4" x 1-1/4" form factor. The main part number 3AB 2 is currently listed as obsolete, making identification of active equivalent parts essential for ongoing system maintenance and new designs.

Substiute Parts

3AB 2
Bel Fuse Inc.In Stock: 11863AB 2 Datasheet
3AB 2
Current Part
3AB 2-R
Bel Fuse Inc.In Stock: 16223AB 2-R Datasheet
3AB 2-R
Direct

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Current Rating 2 A
Voltage Rating (AC) 250 V
Fuse Type Cartridge, Ceramic
Response Time Fast Blow
Package / Case 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage 100A
Melting I²t 7.2
DC Cold Resistance 0.063 Ohms
Operating Temperature Range -55°C ~ 125°C
Size / Dimension 0.250" Dia x 1.252" L (6.35mm x 31.80mm)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 3AB 2 ceramic fuse is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

  • Current Rating: 2 A (exact match required)
  • Voltage Rating: 250 V AC (exact match required)
  • Fuse Type: Cartridge, Ceramic (exact match required)
  • Response Time: Fast Blow (exact match required)
  • Package / Case: 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4" (exact match required)
  • Breaking Capacity: 100A (exact match required)
  • Melting I²t: 7.2 (exact match required)
  • DC Cold Resistance: 0.063 Ohms (exact match required)
  • Operating Temperature Range: -55°C ~ 125°C (exact match required)

The substitute part 3AB 2-R meets all these criteria and is manufactured by the same supplier (Bel Fuse Inc.), ensuring mechanical and electrical compatibility with existing 3AB/3AG fuse holders.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter 3AB 2 (Main Part) 3AB 2-R (Substitute)
Manufacturer Bel Fuse Inc. Bel Fuse Inc.
Current Rating (Amps) 2 A 2 A
Voltage Rating - AC 250 V 250 V
Fuse Type Cartridge, Ceramic Cartridge, Ceramic
Response Time Fast Blow Fast Blow
Package / Case 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4" 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage 100A 100A
Melting I²t 7.2 7.2
DC Cold Resistance 0.063 Ohms 0.063 Ohms
Operating Temperature Range -55°C ~ 125°C -55°C ~ 125°C
Size / Dimension 0.250" Dia x 1.252" L (6.35mm x 31.80mm) 0.250" Dia x 1.252" L (6.35mm x 31.80mm)
Product Status Obsolete Active
RoHS Status RoHS non-compliant ROHS3 Compliant
Approval Agency CE, CSA, PSE, UL CE, CSA, cURus, PSE

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 3AB 2-R is the direct active equivalent for the obsolete 3AB 2 ceramic fuse. Selection of the 3AB 2-R is based on:

  • Identical electrical and mechanical specifications across all critical parameters
  • Active product status ensuring continued availability and supply chain reliability
  • ROHS3 compliance of the substitute part, providing environmental regulatory alignment for new designs and system upgrades
  • Maintained approval certifications (CE, CSA, cURus, PSE) supporting use in regulated applications
  • Same manufacturer origin (Bel Fuse Inc.) guaranteeing consistency in manufacturing standards and performance characteristics

For systems currently using the obsolete 3AB 2, direct replacement with 3AB 2-R requires no design modifications or holder changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 3AB 2-R be used as a direct replacement for the 3AB 2?

A: Yes. The 3AB 2-R is electrically and mechanically identical to the 3AB 2 across all specified parameters. It installs directly into existing 3AB and 3AG fuse holders without modification.

Q: What is the difference between the 3AB 2 and 3AB 2-R?

A: The primary differences are product status and compliance. The 3AB 2 is obsolete and RoHS non-compliant, while the 3AB 2-R is an active product with ROHS3 compliance. All electrical and mechanical characteristics remain identical.

Q: Are there any compatibility concerns when switching from 3AB 2 to 3AB 2-R?

A: No compatibility concerns exist. Both parts share identical dimensions (0.250" Dia x 1.252" L), current ratings (2 A), voltage ratings (250 V AC), and response characteristics (Fast Blow). They are fully interchangeable within 3AB and 3AG holders.

Q: What certifications does the 3AB 2-R carry?

A: The 3AB 2-R holds CE, CSA, cURus, and PSE approvals, supporting use in regulated industrial and consumer applications across multiple regions.

Q: Is the 3AB 2-R suitable for new product designs?

A: Yes. The 3AB 2-R is an active product with current manufacturing support and ROHS3 compliance, making it appropriate for new designs requiring a 2A 250VAC fast-blow ceramic cartridge fuse in the 3AB/3AG form factor.

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