Equivalent & Substitute Parts for BK/ABC-1/2 Ceramic Fuse Cartridge

Part Overview

The BK/ABC-1/2 is a 500 mA ceramic fuse cartridge rated for 250 V AC and 125 V DC operation, manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division. This component is classified as obsolete, requiring identification of active equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing circuit protection applications. The cartridge format (3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4") necessitates use with compatible fuse holders. Due to obsolete status, direct replacements from active product lines are required for new designs and maintenance applications.

Substiute Parts

BK/ABC-1/2

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 853BK/ABC-1/2 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

ABC-1/2-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1016ABC-1/2-R Datasheet

DirectRFQ

BK/ABC-1/2-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 865BK/ABC-1/2-R Datasheet

DirectRFQ

BK1/ABC-1/2GX-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 865BK1/ABC-1/2GX-R Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

0001.1021

SCHURTER Inc.In Stock: 10740001.1021 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

0314.500HXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 25690314.500HXP Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

0314.500MXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 7350314.500MXP Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

0314.500VXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 7960314.500VXP Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

• Current Rating: 500 mA
• Voltage Rating - AC: 250 V
• Voltage Rating - DC: 125 V
• Fuse Type: Cartridge, Ceramic
• Response Time: Fast Blow
• Package / Case: 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"
• Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage: 35A AC, 10kA DC
• Size / Dimension: 0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (6.35mm x 31.75mm)

Direct Manufacturer Substitutes (Eaton - Electronics Division):

• ABC-1/2-R
• BK/ABC-1/2-R
• BK1/ABC-1/2GX-R

These parts maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications with active product status and improved RoHS3 compliance.

Parametric Equivalents (Littelfuse Inc., Series 314):

• 0314.500HXP
• 0314.500MXP
• 0314.500VXP

These parts satisfy all mandatory matching parameters from alternative manufacturers with active status and extended operating temperature ranges.

Similar Alternative (Different Fuse Material):

• 0001.1021 (SCHURTER Inc., Glass Cartridge)

This part matches current, voltage, package, and mechanical dimensions but uses glass construction instead of ceramic, resulting in different breaking capacity (1.5kA vs. 35A AC / 10kA DC).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Selection (Direct Eaton Substitutes):

ABC-1/2-R, BK/ABC-1/2-R, and BK1/ABC-1/2GX-R are recommended as first-choice replacements for BK/ABC-1/2. All three maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications while offering active product status and ROHS3 compliance. These parts carry CSA and UL approvals consistent with the original component. Selection among these three Eaton variants depends on packaging requirements (Bulk format) and internal part numbering conventions within procurement systems.

Secondary Selection (Littelfuse Parametric Equivalents):

The Littelfuse 314 series (0314.500HXP, 0314.500MXP, 0314.500VXP) provides full parametric equivalence with identical electrical ratings, breaking capacity, and mechanical dimensions. These parts are suitable for applications where multi-source qualification is required. Littelfuse components offer extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 125°C) and CE certification in addition to CSA and UL approvals. All three Littelfuse variants are functionally interchangeable; selection depends on internal inventory and supply chain preferences.

Alternative Selection (Glass Cartridge):

SCHURTER 0001.1021 is suitable only for applications where reduced breaking capacity (1.5kA AC) is acceptable. The glass construction provides different thermal and electrical characteristics compared to ceramic alternatives. This part is obsolete and should not be selected for new designs. Use only when legacy circuit protection specifications explicitly require glass fuse construction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can ABC-1/2-R directly replace BK/ABC-1/2 without circuit modification?

A: Yes. ABC-1/2-R maintains identical current rating (500 mA), voltage ratings (250 V AC / 125 V DC), breaking capacity (35A AC / 10kA DC), and mechanical dimensions (0.250" Dia x 1.250" L). No circuit changes are required. Both components require the same 3AB or 3AG fuse holder.

Q: What is the difference between the three Eaton active substitutes (ABC-1/2-R, BK/ABC-1/2-R, BK1/ABC-1/2GX-R)?

A: All three parts are electrically and mechanically identical. Differences exist only in part numbering conventions and internal Eaton product line designations. Selection should be based on your organization's part numbering system and existing procurement records. Verify with your supplier which designation is currently stocked.

Q: Are Littelfuse 314 series fuses (0314.500HXP, 0314.500MXP, 0314.500VXP) fully compatible?

A: Yes. All three Littelfuse variants match the mandatory parameters: 500 mA current, 250 V AC / 125 V DC voltage ratings, 35A AC / 10kA DC breaking capacity, and 3AB/3AG package format. The parts are mechanically and electrically interchangeable. Differences among the three Littelfuse variants relate to internal product line designations; all are functionally equivalent.

Q: Why does SCHURTER 0001.1021 have lower breaking capacity (1.5kA vs. 35A AC)?

A: SCHURTER 0001.1021 uses glass construction instead of ceramic. Glass and ceramic fuse materials have different electrical and thermal properties, resulting in different breaking capacities. This part is suitable only for circuits where 1.5kA breaking capacity is sufficient. Verify your circuit protection requirements before selecting this alternative.

Q: What is the significance of RoHS3 compliance on the substitute parts?

A: RoHS3 compliance indicates the parts meet current environmental and hazardous substance restrictions. The original BK/ABC-1/2 is RoHS non-compliant. All active substitutes (Eaton and Littelfuse) are ROHS3 compliant, making them suitable for modern equipment designs and regulatory requirements. This is a compliance advantage of the substitute parts.

Q: Can I use these fuses in any 3AB or 3AG fuse holder?

A: Yes. All substitute parts maintain the 3AB/3AG package format and 0.250" Dia x 1.250" L mechanical dimensions. They are compatible with any standard 3AB or 3AG fuse holder. Verify your holder specifications match these dimensions before installation.

Q: What is the difference in melting I²t values among the parts?

A: Melting I²t values vary among manufacturers (BK/ABC-1/2: 0.19, Eaton active substitutes: 0.039, Littelfuse: 0.115, SCHURTER: 0.13). These values indicate thermal response characteristics. For direct replacement applications, use parts from the same manufacturer when I²t matching is critical to circuit protection coordination. Consult circuit protection coordination studies if I²t values are specified in your design requirements.

Q: Are all substitute parts currently in stock?

A: Inventory status varies by supplier and time. Littelfuse 0314.500HXP shows highest availability (2521 pcs), followed by Eaton variants (796-907 pcs) and Littelfuse 0314.500MXP/0314.500VXP (701-752 pcs). Verify current inventory with your component supplier before finalizing procurement decisions.