3AP 6 Glass Cartridge Fuse - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Bel Fuse Inc. 3AP 6 is a 6A 250VAC fast-blow glass cartridge fuse in 3AB/3AG package format (1/4" x 1-1/4" axial). This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for ongoing system maintenance and new design implementations. The part carries multiple international approvals including CE, CSA, PSE, and UL certifications, with RoHS non-compliant status and a melting I²t rating of 107.

Substiute Parts

3AP 6

Bel Fuse Inc.In Stock: 11083AP 6 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

0318006.HXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 12970318006.HXP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

0318006.MXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 9180318006.MXP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

0318006.VXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 8190318006.VXP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the 3AP 6 is based on strict electrical and mechanical parameter matching:

Critical Matching Parameters:

• Current Rating: 6 A (exact match required)
• Voltage Rating: 250 V AC (exact match required)
• Package / Case: 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4" (Axial) (exact match required)
• Response Time: Fast Blow (exact match required)
• Breaking Capacity: 200A (exact match required)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole (exact match required)

All three Littelfuse Inc. substitute parts (0318006.HXP, 0318006.MXP, 0318006.VXP) meet these critical parameters. These parts are from the active 318 series and maintain full electrical and mechanical compatibility with the obsolete 3AP 6, differing only in packaging format (Bulk vs. original packaging) and compliance status (ROHS3 Compliant vs. RoHS non-compliant).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All three Littelfuse 318 series substitutes (0318006.HXP, 0318006.MXP, 0318006.VXP) are direct functional equivalents for the obsolete 3AP 6. Selection among these three parts should be based on:

Product Status: The Littelfuse parts are active products with ongoing manufacturer support, whereas the 3AP 6 is obsolete. This makes any of the three Littelfuse options preferable for new designs and long-term system reliability.

Compliance Requirements: If RoHS3 compliance is mandated by your application or regulatory framework, all three Littelfuse substitutes meet this requirement. The original 3AP 6 does not. All substitute parts maintain the same international certifications (CE, CSA, PSE, UL) with the addition of KC approval.

Dimensional Tolerance: The substitute parts exhibit slightly larger dimensions (0.275" Dia x 1.288" L versus 0.272" Dia x 1.280" L) and marginally higher DC cold resistance (0.0178 Ohms versus 0.015 Ohms) and melting I²t (118 versus 107). These variations remain within acceptable tolerance for 3AB/3AG cartridge fuse applications and do not affect functional compatibility in standard through-hole mounting configurations.

Inventory Availability: 0318006.HXP (1235 Pcs), 0318006.MXP (833 Pcs), and 0318006.VXP (786 Pcs) are all in active stock, providing supply continuity compared to the obsolete 3AP 6 (1009 Pcs).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the Littelfuse 0318006 series parts be used as direct drop-in replacements for the Bel Fuse 3AP 6?

A: Yes. All three Littelfuse substitutes (0318006.HXP, 0318006.MXP, 0318006.VXP) maintain identical electrical ratings (6A, 250VAC, fast-blow response) and mechanical package specifications (3AB/3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4" axial). They are designed for through-hole mounting in the same footprint and will function identically in circuit protection applications.

Q: What is the difference between 0318006.HXP, 0318006.MXP, and 0318006.VXP?

A: These three part numbers represent different packaging or tape/reel configurations within the same 318 series. All three share identical electrical specifications, dimensional tolerances, and performance characteristics. Selection between them depends on your procurement and assembly requirements (bulk packaging versus tape/reel formats).

Q: Are there any compatibility concerns with the dimensional differences noted in the comparison table?

A: No. The dimensional variations (0.003" diameter difference, 0.008" length difference) are within standard manufacturing tolerances for 3AB/3AG cartridge fuses and do not affect mechanical fit in standard fuse holders or through-hole PCB designs. Both the original and substitute parts conform to the 3AB/3AG specification envelope.

Q: Does the higher melting I²t value (118 versus 107) of the Littelfuse parts affect circuit protection performance?

A: No. Both values fall within the acceptable range for 6A fast-blow cartridge fuses. The melting I²t difference reflects normal manufacturing variation between suppliers and does not alter the fuse's response time or breaking capacity at rated voltage (200A). Fast-blow response characteristics remain identical.

Q: Should I consider RoHS compliance when selecting a substitute?

A: If your application, customer requirements, or regional regulations mandate RoHS3 compliance, all three Littelfuse substitutes meet this requirement. The original 3AP 6 is RoHS non-compliant. For applications without RoHS mandates, this difference is not a functional consideration.

Q: Are the international certifications equivalent between the original and substitute parts?

A: Yes. Both the original 3AP 6 and all three Littelfuse substitutes carry CE, CSA, PSE, and UL approvals. The Littelfuse parts additionally include KC (Korea Certification) approval. All certifications are current and valid for the respective product statuses (obsolete versus active).