5MT 1.6 Glass Cartridge Fuse - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Bel Fuse Inc. 5MT 1.6 is a 1.6 A, 250 V AC/DC glass cartridge fuse in 5mm x 20mm form factor with medium blow response characteristics. This part is classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent substitutes necessary for ongoing system maintenance and new design implementations. The fuse requires a compatible holder for installation and is rated for breaking capacity of 100A at rated voltage.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Current Rating	1.6 A
Voltage Rating (AC)	250 V
Fuse Type	Cartridge, Glass
Package / Case	5mm x 20mm
Response Time	Medium Blow
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	100A
Operating Temperature Range	-55°C ~ 125°C
Mounting Type	Requires Holder

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 5MT 1.6 is determined by strict alignment of the following parameters:

Current Rating: 1.6 A (exact match required)
Voltage Rating: 250 V AC (exact match required)
Package / Case: 5mm x 20mm (exact match required)
Fuse Type: Cartridge, Glass (exact match required)
Mounting Type: Requires Holder (exact match required)

Response time classification (medium blow vs. slow blow) and breaking capacity values are secondary parameters that may vary between substitutes depending on application requirements. All identified substitutes meet the primary electrical and mechanical compatibility criteria.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	5MT 1.6 (Bel Fuse)	021801.6MXP (Littelfuse)	023201.6MXP (Littelfuse)	BK1/GMC-1.6-R (Eaton)	GDC-1.6A (Eaton)
Manufacturer	Bel Fuse Inc.	Littelfuse Inc.	Littelfuse Inc.	Eaton - Electronics Division	Eaton - Electronics Division
Current Rating (Amps)	1.6 A	1.6 A	1.6 A	1.6 A	1.6 A
Voltage Rating - AC	250 V	250 V	250 V	250 V	250 V
Response Time	Medium Blow	Slow Blow	Medium Blow	Medium Blow	Slow Blow
Package / Case	5mm x 20mm	5mm x 20mm	5mm x 20mm	5mm x 20mm	5mm x 20mm
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	100A	35A	100A	100A	35A
Melting I²t	12	23.35	6.96	5.8	21.7
DC Cold Resistance (Ohms)	0.076	0.0336	0.0537	0.067	0.0425
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	Not specified
Approval Agency	CE, CSA, cULus, PSE	CCC, CE, CSA, K-MARK, PSE, SEMKO, UL, VDE	CE, KC, PSE	CSA, UL	cURus, IMQ, MITI/JET

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All four substitute parts are active products with current manufacturing status, providing supply continuity for the obsolete 5MT 1.6.

For applications requiring medium blow response and 100A breaking capacity matching the original specification, select either 023201.6MXP (Littelfuse 232 series) or BK1/GMC-1.6-R (Eaton GMC series). Both maintain identical response time and breaking capacity characteristics.

For applications where slow blow response is acceptable and lower breaking capacity (35A) is sufficient, 021801.6MXP (Littelfuse 218 series) or GDC-1.6A (Eaton GDC series) are suitable alternatives.

Littelfuse substitutes offer broader regulatory approval coverage including CCC, K-MARK, SEMKO, and VDE certifications. Eaton substitutes provide CSA and UL certifications. Selection should align with regional compliance requirements and existing system certifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a substitute fuse with different response time (slow blow vs. medium blow)?

A: Response time substitution depends on circuit protection requirements. Medium blow fuses (5MT 1.6, 023201.6MXP, BK1/GMC-1.6-R) provide faster response to overcurrent. Slow blow fuses (021801.6MXP, GDC-1.6A) tolerate temporary inrush currents. Verify circuit design specifications before substituting response time characteristics.

Q: Are all substitutes mechanically compatible with existing fuse holders?

A: All substitutes use identical 5mm x 20mm cartridge form factor and require holder mounting. Physical dimensions are equivalent across all parts listed. Verify holder compatibility with your specific equipment before installation.

Q: What is the significance of breaking capacity differences?

A: Breaking capacity indicates maximum fault current the fuse can safely interrupt. The 5MT 1.6 and its medium blow equivalents (023201.6MXP, BK1/GMC-1.6-R) are rated 100A. Slow blow alternatives (021801.6MXP, GDC-1.6A) are rated 35A. Select based on maximum available fault current in your circuit.

Q: Which substitute offers the best regulatory compliance?

A: Littelfuse 021801.6MXP (218 series) carries the broadest approval agency coverage including CCC, CE, CSA, K-MARK, PSE, SEMKO, UL, and VDE. This part is recommended for applications requiring multi-regional compliance certification.

Q: How do melting I²t values affect fuse selection?

A: Melting I²t indicates thermal energy required to melt the fuse element. Lower values (BK1/GMC-1.6-R at 5.8, 023201.6MXP at 6.96) provide faster response. Higher values (021801.6MXP at 23.35, GDC-1.6A at 21.7) indicate slower response. Match I²t characteristics to circuit protection coordination requirements.

Q: Is RoHS compliance required for my application?

A: The original 5MT 1.6 is RoHS non-compliant. All active substitutes (021801.6MXP, 023201.6MXP, BK1/GMC-1.6-R) are ROHS3 compliant, meeting current environmental regulations. Verify RoHS requirements for your end application and regional market.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message