5MF 4.6 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 5MF 4.6 is a 4.6 A, 125 V AC/DC fast-blow glass cartridge fuse manufactured by Bel Fuse Inc. in a 5mm x 20mm package format. This component is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing system maintenance and new designs. Substitute parts must maintain electrical compatibility within the specified current and voltage ratings while meeting mechanical form factor requirements.

Substiute Parts

5MF 3.5

Bel Fuse Inc.In Stock: 10195MF 3.5 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

5MF 3.5-R

Bel Fuse Inc.In Stock: 61145MF 3.5-R Datasheet

DirectRFQ

0034.3882

SCHURTER Inc.In Stock: 18230034.3882 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the 5MF 4.6 are classified based on the following substitution criteria:

Direct Equivalent (Same Electrical Specifications):

• Current rating: 4.6 A
• Voltage rating: 125 V AC
• Package: 5mm x 20mm
• Response time: Fast Blow
• Fuse type: Cartridge, Glass

Similar Substitute (Compatible Mechanical Form, Different Voltage Rating):

• Current rating: 4.6 A
• Package: 5mm x 20mm
• Response time: Fast Blow
• Fuse type: Cartridge, Glass
• Voltage rating: 250 V AC (higher rated, backward compatible in 125 V circuits)

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitute: 5MF 4.6-R (Bel Fuse Inc.)

The 5MF 4.6-R is the direct functional equivalent of the obsolete 5MF 4.6. Both parts share identical electrical specifications: 4.6 A current rating, 125 V AC voltage rating, fast-blow response, and 5mm x 20mm package dimensions. The 5MF 4.6-R maintains the same melting I²t value (17) and breaking capacity (10 kA), ensuring equivalent circuit protection performance. The primary advantage is active product status with ROHS3 compliance and cULus certification, addressing regulatory requirements for new designs. DC cold resistance is marginally lower (0.025 Ohms vs. 0.026 Ohms), which is negligible for circuit operation.

Secondary Substitute: 0034.3882 (SCHURTER Inc.)

The 0034.3882 provides mechanical and current-rating compatibility but operates at a higher voltage rating (250 V AC vs. 125 V AC). This part is suitable for 125 V AC circuits as the higher voltage rating provides additional safety margin. However, the lower melting I²t value (9.75 vs. 17) and reduced operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C vs. -55°C ~ 125°C) may affect performance in specific thermal or fault-current environments. The significantly lower breaking capacity (100 A vs. 10 kA) represents a material difference in fault-current handling capability. This substitute is appropriate only when the circuit environment permits the reduced thermal and breaking capacity specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 5MF 4.6-R be used as a direct replacement for the 5MF 4.6?

A: Yes. The 5MF 4.6-R is electrically and mechanically identical to the 5MF 4.6, with identical current rating (4.6 A), voltage rating (125 V AC), response time (fast-blow), and package dimensions (5mm x 20mm). The primary difference is product status (active vs. obsolete) and regulatory compliance (ROHS3 compliant).

Q: Is the 0034.3882 compatible with circuits designed for the 5MF 4.6?

A: The 0034.3882 is mechanically compatible and shares the same current rating and package format. However, it operates at 250 V AC, which is higher than the original 125 V AC specification. It can be used in 125 V AC circuits, but the lower melting I²t (9.75 vs. 17) and breaking capacity (100 A vs. 10 kA) must be evaluated against circuit fault-current requirements.

Q: What is the significance of the melting I²t difference between these parts?

A: Melting I²t determines the thermal energy required to melt the fuse element. A lower I²t value (0034.3882 at 9.75) indicates faster thermal response to overcurrent conditions compared to a higher I²t value (5MF 4.6 at 17). Selection depends on the specific circuit's overcurrent protection requirements and fault-current characteristics.

Q: Are all substitute parts certified for the same regulatory standards?

A: No. The 5MF 4.6 carries CE, CSA, PSE, and UL certifications. The 5MF 4.6-R carries CE, CSA, cULus, and PSE certifications. The 0034.3882 carries only cULus certification. Verify that selected substitutes meet the regulatory requirements for your application.

Q: What is the impact of the operating temperature range difference?

A: The 5MF 4.6 and 5MF 4.6-R operate across -55°C ~ 125°C, while the 0034.3882 operates across -40°C ~ 85°C. If your circuit operates outside the 0034.3882 temperature range, this part is not suitable. The 5MF 4.6-R maintains the full original temperature specification.