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5MF 3 Glass Cartridge Fuse - Equivalent & Substitute Parts
Part Overview
The Bel Fuse Inc. 5MF 3 is a 3A 250VAC glass cartridge fuse in 5mm x 20mm form factor, designed for fast-blow protection in AC/DC circuits. This part is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent and substitute components that maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility within the specified parameter envelope.
Substiute Parts
Key Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Current Rating | 3 A |
| Voltage Rating (AC) | 250 V |
| Fuse Type | Cartridge, Glass |
| Package / Case | 5mm x 20mm |
| Response Time | Fast Blow |
| Mounting Type | Requires Holder |
| Operating Temperature Range | -55°C ~ 125°C |
Substitute Part Grouping Explanation
Substitution eligibility for the 5MF 3 is determined by strict equivalence across the following parameters:
- Current Rating: 3 A (exact match required)
- Voltage Rating (AC): 250 V (exact match required)
- Fuse Type: Cartridge, Glass (exact match required)
- Package / Case: 5mm x 20mm (exact match required)
- Response Time: Fast Blow (exact match required)
- Mounting Type: Requires Holder (exact match required)
All identified substitutes meet these core electrical and mechanical criteria. Variations in breaking capacity, melting I²t, approval agencies, and temperature ranges are secondary parameters that may influence selection based on application-specific requirements but do not disqualify substitution eligibility.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | 5MF 3 (Bel Fuse) | 5MF 3 -R (Bel Fuse) | 0034.3880 (SCHURTER) | 0235003.HXP (Littelfuse) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Bel Fuse Inc. | Bel Fuse Inc. | SCHURTER Inc. | Littelfuse Inc. |
| Current Rating (Amps) | 3 A | 3 A | 3 A | 3 A |
| Voltage Rating - AC | 250 V | 250 V | 250 V | 250 V |
| Fuse Type | Cartridge, Glass | Cartridge, Glass | Cartridge, Glass | Cartridge, Glass |
| Package / Case | 5mm x 20mm | 5mm x 20mm | 5mm x 20mm | 5mm x 20mm |
| Response Time | Fast Blow | Fast Blow | Fast Blow | Fast Blow |
| Mounting Type | Requires Holder | Requires Holder | Requires Holder | Requires Holder |
| Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage | 200A | 200A | 100A | 100A |
| Melting I²t | 13 | 13 | 6.8 | 8.395 |
| Operating Temperature | -55°C ~ 125°C | -55°C ~ 125°C | -40°C ~ 85°C | -55°C ~ 125°C |
| RoHS Status | RoHS non-compliant | ROHS3 Compliant | ROHS3 Compliant | ROHS3 Compliant |
| Product Status | Obsolete | Active | Active | Active |
Engineering Selection Recommendations
Direct Equivalent (Preferred): The 5MF 3 -R from Bel Fuse Inc. is the direct equivalent, maintaining identical electrical specifications (3A, 250V, 200A breaking capacity, 13 melting I²t) and temperature range (-55°C ~ 125°C). This part is active and ROHS3 compliant, making it the primary replacement for obsolete 5MF 3 units.
Alternative Substitutes: The 0034.3880 (SCHURTER) and 0235003.HXP (Littelfuse) are functionally compatible substitutes that meet all core electrical and mechanical requirements. Both are active products with ROHS3 compliance. Selection between these alternatives depends on application-specific constraints:
- SCHURTER 0034.3880 operates within -40°C ~ 85°C range with 100A breaking capacity and 6.8 melting I²t
- Littelfuse 0235003.HXP operates within -55°C ~ 125°C range with 100A breaking capacity and 8.395 melting I²t
Applications requiring full -55°C ~ 125°C temperature coverage should prioritize 5MF 3 -R or 0235003.HXP. Applications with restricted temperature requirements may utilize SCHURTER 0034.3880.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can the 5MF 3 -R directly replace the obsolete 5MF 3?
A: Yes. The 5MF 3 -R is the direct manufacturer equivalent with identical electrical ratings (3A, 250V), response time (fast blow), package (5mm x 20mm), and operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 125°C). It is the recommended replacement.
Q: What is the difference between direct equivalents and similar substitutes?
A: Direct equivalents (5MF 3 -R) maintain all electrical and mechanical parameters identically. Similar substitutes (SCHURTER, Littelfuse) meet core requirements (current, voltage, package, response time) but may differ in breaking capacity, melting I²t, or temperature range. All are mechanically and electrically compatible within the specified parameter envelope.
Q: Are there temperature range limitations with substitute parts?
A: The SCHURTER 0034.3880 operates within -40°C ~ 85°C, which is narrower than the original -55°C ~ 125°C specification. Applications requiring full temperature coverage should use 5MF 3 -R or Littelfuse 0235003.HXP.
Q: Do all substitutes fit the same fuse holder?
A: Yes. All substitutes maintain the 5mm x 20mm cartridge form factor and require the same holder type. Physical installation is identical.
Q: What is the significance of breaking capacity differences?
A: Breaking capacity indicates the maximum fault current the fuse can safely interrupt. The 5MF 3 and 5MF 3 -R both specify 200A, while SCHURTER and Littelfuse alternatives specify 100A. For applications with fault currents exceeding 100A, the higher breaking capacity of Bel Fuse products is required.
Q: Are all substitutes RoHS compliant?
A: The 5MF 3 -R, SCHURTER 0034.3880, and Littelfuse 0235003.HXP are all ROHS3 compliant. The original 5MF 3 is RoHS non-compliant.
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