Equivalent & Substitute Parts for BK1/MDA-5-R Ceramic Fuse Cartridge

Part Overview

The BK1/MDA-5-R is a 5 A, 250 V AC ceramic fuse cartridge manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division. This component is classified as obsolete, requiring identification of active equivalent and substitute parts for continued system support and procurement. The fuse operates as a slow-blow cartridge type, designed for 3AB and 3AG holder compatibility with dimensions of 0.250" diameter by 1.250" length (6.35mm x 31.75mm). Substitution is necessary due to the obsolete product status while maintaining electrical and mechanical compatibility with existing installations.

Substiute Parts

BK1/MDA-5-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1001BK1/MDA-5-R Datasheet

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BK/MDA-5-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1860BK/MDA-5-R Datasheet

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MDA-5-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1085MDA-5-R Datasheet

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0001.2531

SCHURTER Inc.In Stock: 17160001.2531 Datasheet

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0326005.HXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 11970326005.HXP Datasheet

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0326005.MXCCP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 9770326005.MXCCP Datasheet

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0326005.MXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 13560326005.MXP Datasheet

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0326005.VXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 11270326005.VXP Datasheet

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GSA 5-R

Bel Fuse Inc.In Stock: 2418GSA 5-R Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution logic for the BK1/MDA-5-R is based on the following critical parameters that must remain constant:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

• Current Rating: 5 A
• Voltage Rating - AC: 250 V
• Fuse Type: Cartridge, Ceramic
• Response Time: Slow Blow
• Package / Case: 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"
• Size / Dimension: 0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (6.35mm x 31.75mm)
• Mounting Type: Requires Holder

Acceptable Variation Parameters:

• Breaking Capacity: 200A to 400A (higher capacity acceptable)
• Melting I²t: 25 to 349 (variation acceptable within ceramic cartridge specifications)
• DC Cold Resistance: 0.023 to 0.0522 Ohms (acceptable range for ceramic cartridges)
• Operating Temperature Range: Wider ranges acceptable
• Approval Agencies: Must include minimum CE, CSA, or UL certification

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: direct equivalents from alternative manufacturers (Littelfuse, Bel Fuse, SCHURTER) and the active Eaton variant (BK/MDA-5-R). All listed substitutes maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications required for 3AB/3AG holder compatibility.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Eaton MDA Series - Active Status):

BK/MDA-5-R and MDA-5-R are direct active equivalents from Eaton - Electronics Division. Both maintain identical electrical specifications (5 A, 250 V AC, 200A breaking capacity, 65 melting I²t) and mechanical compatibility with 3AB/3AG holders. These parts carry the same CE, CSA, and UL certifications as the obsolete BK1/MDA-5-R. Selection of either variant ensures continuity with the original design intent and manufacturer support.

Secondary Substitutes (Littelfuse 326 Series - Enhanced Breaking Capacity):

The Littelfuse parts 0326005.HXP, 0326005.MXCCP, 0326005.MXP, and 0326005.VXP are ceramic cartridge fuses with identical current, voltage, and package specifications. These parts feature higher breaking capacity (400A versus 200A) and lower melting I²t (25 versus 65), indicating faster response characteristics. All four variants carry CE, CSA, PSE, and UL certifications. The enhanced breaking capacity provides additional protection margin in applications subject to higher fault currents.

Alternative Substitute (Bel Fuse GSA 5-R - Equivalent Breaking Capacity):

GSA 5-R from Bel Fuse Inc. maintains the 200A breaking capacity matching the original BK1/MDA-5-R specification. This ceramic cartridge fuse carries CE, CSA, cURus, and PSE certifications. The significantly higher melting I²t value (349 versus 65) indicates slower thermal response compared to the original design.

Glass Cartridge Alternative (SCHURTER 0001.2531 - Different Fuse Type):

The SCHURTER 0001.2531 is a glass cartridge fuse with 5 A current rating and 250 V AC voltage rating. This part differs from the ceramic cartridge type of the original BK1/MDA-5-R. Glass cartridge fuses exhibit different thermal and electrical characteristics. This option is listed based on cross-reference data but requires verification of application compatibility due to fuse type difference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I substitute BK1/MDA-5-R with BK/MDA-5-R or MDA-5-R?

A: Yes. Both BK/MDA-5-R and MDA-5-R are active Eaton products with identical electrical and mechanical specifications to BK1/MDA-5-R. Current rating, voltage rating, fuse type, response time, package designation, and physical dimensions are identical. All three parts are certified to CE, CSA, and UL standards. The primary difference is product status: BK1/MDA-5-R is obsolete while BK/MDA-5-R and MDA-5-R are active.

Q: What is the difference between Littelfuse 326 series parts and the original BK1/MDA-5-R?

A: Littelfuse 326 series parts (0326005.HXP, 0326005.MXCCP, 0326005.MXP, 0326005.VXP) maintain identical current rating (5 A), voltage rating (250 V AC), fuse type (ceramic cartridge), response time (slow blow), and physical dimensions (0.250" x 1.250"). The differences are: breaking capacity is higher (400A versus 200A), melting I²t is lower (25 versus 65), and operating temperature range is wider (-55°C to 125°C versus unspecified). All parts fit 3AB/3AG holders identically.

Q: Are all substitute parts compatible with 3AB and 3AG holders?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts are specified for 3AB and 3AG holder compatibility with identical physical dimensions of 0.250" diameter by 1.250" length (6.35mm x 31.75mm). Mechanical installation is identical across all ceramic cartridge variants.

Q: What certifications do the substitute parts carry?

A: Eaton MDA variants (BK/MDA-5-R, MDA-5-R) carry CE, CSA, and UL certifications. Littelfuse 326 series parts carry CE, CSA, PSE, and UL certifications. Bel Fuse GSA 5-R carries CE, CSA, cURus, and PSE certifications. SCHURTER 0001.2531 carries cURus certification. All parts are ROHS3 compliant.

Q: Why does SCHURTER 0001.2531 have different electrical characteristics?

A: SCHURTER 0001.2531 is a glass cartridge fuse, not a ceramic cartridge fuse. While it matches the 5 A current rating and 250 V AC voltage rating, the glass construction results in different melting I²t (127 versus 65) and breaking capacity (1.5kA AC versus 200A). Glass and ceramic cartridge fuses have different thermal response profiles and are not direct equivalents despite matching basic electrical ratings.

Q: Can I use a substitute with higher breaking capacity than the original?

A: Littelfuse 326 series parts feature 400A breaking capacity compared to 200A in the original BK1/MDA-5-R. Higher breaking capacity indicates the fuse can safely interrupt larger fault currents. This represents an enhancement in protective capability and is acceptable for direct substitution in applications where the original 200A breaking capacity was specified.

Q: What does melting I²t indicate?

A: Melting I²t is a thermal energy parameter that characterizes fuse response time. Lower melting I²t values indicate faster thermal response. Littelfuse 326 series parts have melting I²t of 25 compared to 65 in the original BK1/MDA-5-R, indicating faster response. Bel Fuse GSA 5-R has melting I²t of 349, indicating slower response. All are classified as slow-blow fuses but with different thermal characteristics.

Q: Are there inventory considerations for substitute selection?

A: Current inventory levels are provided for reference: BK/MDA-5-R (1760 pcs), MDA-5-R (1074 pcs), Littelfuse 0326005.HXP (1088 pcs), 0326005.MXCCP (951 pcs), 0326005.MXP (1330 pcs), 0326005.VXP (1108 pcs), Bel Fuse GSA 5-R (2314 pcs), and SCHURTER 0001.2531 (1635 pcs). Inventory levels are subject to change and should be verified at time of procurement.