Bel Fuse Inc. 5MT 160 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Bel Fuse Inc. 5MT 160 is a 160 mA, 250 V AC/DC glass cartridge fuse with a 5mm x 20mm form factor designed for applications requiring medium-blow response characteristics. This component is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent alternatives to maintain design continuity and ensure supply chain availability for new production and field replacements.

Substiute Parts

5MT 160

Bel Fuse Inc.In Stock: 11695MT 160 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

20101600001

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 72820101600001 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

20101600021

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 87920101600021 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the 5MT 160 are identified based on electrical and mechanical parameter alignment. The primary substitution criteria are:

• Current Rating: 160 mA (exact match required)
• Voltage Rating: 250 V AC (exact match required)
• Package Dimensions: 5mm x 20mm (exact match required)
• Fuse Type: Cartridge, Glass (exact match required)
• Response Time: Medium Blow (exact match required)
• Mounting Configuration: Requires Holder (exact match required)

The identified substitutes from Littelfuse Inc. (part numbers 20101600001 and 20101600021) meet all core electrical and mechanical parameters. Both parts are classified as active products with current manufacturing status, ensuring long-term availability and supply chain reliability.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both Littelfuse substitutes (20101600001 and 20101600021) provide functional equivalence to the obsolete 5MT 160 across all critical electrical and mechanical parameters. Selection between these alternatives should be based on the following considerations:

RoHS Compliance: The Littelfuse alternatives are ROHS3 compliant, whereas the original 5MT 160 is non-compliant. For applications subject to RoHS directives, the Littelfuse parts are required.

Regulatory Certifications: The original part carries CE, CSA, and cULus approvals. The Littelfuse substitutes carry cULus certification. Applications requiring CE or CSA certification should be evaluated against specific regional requirements.

Operating Temperature Range: The 5MT 160 operates across -55°C to 125°C, while Littelfuse alternatives operate across -25°C to 70°C. Applications requiring extended low-temperature operation below -25°C or high-temperature operation above 70°C require thermal performance verification.

Breaking Capacity: The Littelfuse alternatives provide 80 A breaking capacity compared to 35 A for the original part, representing enhanced fault protection capability.

Melting I²t: The Littelfuse alternatives specify 0.085 compared to 0.06 for the original part. This parameter difference reflects thermal energy absorption characteristics and should be evaluated within circuit protection requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are the Littelfuse 20101600001 and 20101600021 electrically interchangeable with the Bel Fuse 5MT 160?

A: Yes. Both Littelfuse parts match the 5MT 160 across current rating (160 mA), voltage rating (250 V AC), fuse type (cartridge glass), package dimensions (5mm x 20mm), and response time (medium blow). Both are designed for the same holder configuration.

Q: What is the difference between Littelfuse part numbers 20101600001 and 20101600021?

A: Both parts are electrically and mechanically identical. They share the same electrical specifications, certifications, operating temperature range, and physical dimensions. Selection between them is based on packaging availability and inventory considerations.

Q: Can I use these substitutes in applications requiring CE certification?

A: The Littelfuse alternatives carry cULus certification but do not list CE certification. Applications requiring CE compliance should verify that cULus certification meets regional requirements or consult with the fuse manufacturer regarding CE availability.

Q: Are there temperature limitations when substituting these parts?

A: Yes. The Littelfuse alternatives operate within -25°C to 70°C, compared to the original part's -55°C to 125°C range. Applications requiring operation outside the -25°C to 70°C window require thermal performance verification with the substitute parts.

Q: What does the higher breaking capacity (80 A vs. 35 A) mean for my application?

A: Breaking capacity indicates the maximum fault current the fuse can safely interrupt. The Littelfuse alternatives provide enhanced fault protection capability. This does not affect normal operation but improves safety margins in fault conditions.

Q: Are the Littelfuse substitutes RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. Both Littelfuse parts (20101600001 and 20101600021) are ROHS3 compliant, whereas the original 5MT 160 is non-compliant. This is relevant for applications subject to RoHS directives.