Equivalent & Substitute Parts for 5MF 500 Glass Cartridge Fuse

Part Overview

The Bel Fuse Inc. 5MF 500 is a 500 mA, 250 V AC/DC fast-blow glass cartridge fuse in 5mm x 20mm form factor, designed for use with a fuse holder. This part is currently obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing system maintenance and new designs. The 5MF 500 series has been superseded by the active 5MF 500-R variant and compatible alternatives from other manufacturers that meet the same electrical and mechanical specifications.

Substiute Parts

5MF 500

Bel Fuse Inc.In Stock: 8225MF 500 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

5MF 500-R

Bel Fuse Inc.In Stock: 363155MF 500-R Datasheet

DirectRFQ

5SF 500-R

Bel Fuse Inc.In Stock: 25885SF 500-R Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

0217.500HXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 27620217.500HXP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

0217.500MXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 32780217.500MXP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

0235.500HXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 22060235.500HXP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

GDB-500MA

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1118GDB-500MA Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

S500-500-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1221S500-500-R Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the 5MF 500 is determined by strict equivalence in the following parameters:

• Current Rating: 500 mA (exact match required)
• Voltage Rating: 250 V AC (exact match required)
• Fuse Type: Cartridge, Glass (exact match required)
• Response Time: Fast Blow (exact match required)
• Package / Case: 5mm x 20mm (exact match required)
• Mounting Type: Requires Holder (exact match required)

All substitute parts listed below meet these core electrical and mechanical requirements. Variations in secondary parameters such as breaking capacity, melting I²t, DC cold resistance, and approval agencies are noted but do not disqualify substitution when primary parameters align.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For replacement of the obsolete 5MF 500, the 5MF 500-R from Bel Fuse Inc. is the direct successor, maintaining the same manufacturer lineage and electrical characteristics while offering ROHS3 compliance and improved DC cold resistance. This part is recommended as the primary replacement option.

When cross-manufacturer substitution is required, Littelfuse 0217.500HXP, 0217.500MXP, and 0235.500HXP series, as well as Eaton GDB-500MA and S500-500-R, provide functional equivalence. All listed substitutes are active products with current availability. The Littelfuse and Eaton options offer broader international approval certifications including CCC, K-MARK, and SEMKO, which may be advantageous for applications requiring specific regional compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 5MF 500-R directly replace the obsolete 5MF 500?

A: Yes. The 5MF 500-R maintains identical electrical ratings (500 mA, 250 V AC/DC, fast-blow response) and mechanical form factor (5mm x 20mm). Both require a fuse holder for installation. The primary difference is product status and RoHS compliance.

Q: What is the difference between the 5MF 500-R and 5SF 500-R?

A: Both are 500 mA, 250 V fast-blow fuses in 5mm x 20mm form factor. The 5SF 500-R has a lower breaking capacity (35 A versus 200 A) and different melting I²t characteristics. Selection depends on the specific breaking capacity requirement of the application.

Q: Are Littelfuse and Eaton fuses compatible with the 5MF 500 footprint?

A: Yes. All listed Littelfuse (0217 and 0235 series) and Eaton (GDB and S500 series) fuses share the same 5mm x 20mm package dimensions and 500 mA, 250 V electrical specifications. They are mechanically and electrically interchangeable within the same holder.

Q: What certifications should I consider when selecting a substitute?

A: The 5MF 500 carries CE, CSA, and UL approvals. The 5MF 500-R maintains these certifications with added cULus compliance. Littelfuse alternatives include CCC, CE, CSA, K-MARK, SEMKO, UL, and VDE. Eaton S500-500-R includes BSI, CCC, CSA, cURus, IMQ, SEMKO, and VDE. Select based on your application's regional and industry-specific certification requirements.

Q: Does RoHS compliance matter for this fuse?

A: The original 5MF 500 is RoHS non-compliant. All active substitutes listed are ROHS3 compliant, which is required for new designs and applications subject to RoHS regulations. Verify your application's compliance requirements before selection.

Q: What is the significance of DC cold resistance differences?

A: DC cold resistance varies across substitutes (0.2065 to 0.84 Ohms). This parameter affects resistive heating in DC circuits. For applications with strict thermal or power dissipation requirements, verify that the selected substitute's DC cold resistance is acceptable for your circuit design.