3ABP 500 Ceramic Fuse Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 3ABP 500 is a 500 mA ceramic cartridge fuse rated for 250 V AC operation, manufactured by Bel Fuse Inc. in the 3AB, 3AG form factor (1/4" x 1-1/4" axial). This fuse is classified as obsolete product status. Locating equivalent substitute parts is necessary due to discontinued availability of the original 3ABP 500 series from the original manufacturer. Active alternatives from Littelfuse Inc. provide functional equivalence while maintaining current production support and compliance certifications.

Substiute Parts

3ABP 500

Bel Fuse Inc.In Stock: 8343ABP 500 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

0324.500HXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 11120324.500HXP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

0324.500MXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 11520324.500MXP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

0324.500VXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 10760324.500VXP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the 3ABP 500 is based on strict equivalence of the following critical parameters:

• Current Rating: 500 mA (exact match required)
• Voltage Rating - AC: 250 V (exact match required)
• Package / Case: 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4" (Axial) (exact match required)
• Fuse Type: Cartridge, Ceramic (exact match required)
• Response Time: Fast Blow (exact match required)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole (exact match required)

The three substitute parts from Littelfuse Inc. (0324.500HXP, 0324.500MXP, 0324.500VXP) meet all critical substitution criteria. These parts are functionally equivalent for AC applications at 250 V and 500 mA. The substitute parts provide additional DC voltage rating capability (125 V DC) not present in the original 3ABP 500, which does not limit their use as substitutes in AC-only applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All three Littelfuse substitute parts (0324.500HXP, 0324.500MXP, 0324.500VXP) are direct functional equivalents for the obsolete 3ABP 500 in 250 V AC applications at 500 mA. Selection among the three substitute options may be based on packaging availability and inventory status, as they are electrically and mechanically identical.

The substitute parts offer the following advantages over the original 3ABP 500:

• Active product status with ongoing manufacturer support
• ROHS3 compliance (original part is RoHS non-compliant)
• Enhanced DC breaking capacity (10kA DC vs. not specified for original)
• Improved dimensional consistency (0.275" diameter vs. 0.272" for original)
• Lower DC cold resistance (0.5 Ohms vs. 1.28 Ohms)

The slightly lower melting I²t value (0.115 vs. 0.14) in the substitute parts represents a faster response characteristic, which is acceptable for fast-blow fuse applications and does not preclude substitution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the Littelfuse 0324.500HXP, 0324.500MXP, or 0324.500VXP be used as direct replacements for the 3ABP 500?

A: Yes. All three Littelfuse parts are direct functional equivalents for 250 V AC, 500 mA applications. They share identical current rating, AC voltage rating, package form factor (3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"), fuse type (ceramic cartridge), response time (fast blow), and mounting type (through hole).

Q: What is the difference between the three Littelfuse substitute parts?

A: The 0324.500HXP, 0324.500MXP, and 0324.500VXP are electrically and mechanically identical. Differences exist only in packaging configuration and internal construction details not affecting electrical performance. Selection should be based on packaging availability and inventory status.

Q: Does the additional 125 V DC rating on the substitute parts affect compatibility?

A: No. The additional DC voltage rating capability on the Littelfuse parts does not limit their use as AC substitutes. The 250 V AC rating remains the controlling specification for AC circuit applications.

Q: Are there dimensional differences between the original and substitute parts?

A: Minor dimensional variations exist. The original 3ABP 500 measures 0.272" diameter x 1.280" length, while the Littelfuse substitutes measure 0.275" diameter x 1.288" length. These variations fall within standard fuse holder tolerances for the 3AB, 3AG form factor and do not prevent mechanical compatibility.

Q: What certifications do the substitute parts carry?

A: The Littelfuse substitute parts carry CE, CSA, and UL certifications. The original 3ABP 500 carried CE, CSA, PSE, and UL certifications. For applications requiring PSE certification, the substitute parts may not be suitable.

Q: Is the lower melting I²t value of the substitute parts a concern?

A: No. The substitute parts have a melting I²t of 0.115 compared to 0.14 for the original. This represents a slightly faster response time, which is consistent with fast-blow fuse operation and does not preclude substitution.