BK/ABC-1/4 Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The BK/ABC-1/4 is a 250 mA ceramic cartridge fuse rated for 250 V AC and 125 V DC operation. This component is manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division and is classified as obsolete. The fuse features fast-blow response characteristics and requires a compatible holder (3AB, 3AG format, 1/4" x 1-1/4"). Due to its obsolete status, identifying equivalent substitute parts with identical electrical and mechanical specifications is essential for system continuity and component procurement.

Substiute Parts

BK/ABC-1/4
Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1045BK/ABC-1/4 Datasheet
BK/ABC-1/4
Current Part
ABC-1/4-R
Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1043ABC-1/4-R Datasheet
ABC-1/4-R
Direct
BK/ABC-1/4-R
Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1500BK/ABC-1/4-R Datasheet
BK/ABC-1/4-R
Direct

Key Parameters

Parameter Specification
Current Rating 250 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"
Size / Dimension 0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (6.35mm x 31.75mm)
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage 35A AC, 10kA DC
Approval Agency CSA, UL
Mounting Type Requires Holder

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BK/ABC-1/4 fuse is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Electrical Parameters:

  • Current Rating: 250 mA (exact match required)
  • Voltage Rating - AC: 250 V (exact match required)
  • Voltage Rating - DC: 125 V (exact match required)
  • Response Time: Fast Blow (exact match required)
  • Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage: 35A AC, 10kA DC (exact match required)

Mechanical Parameters:

  • Fuse Type: Cartridge, Ceramic (exact match required)
  • Package / Case: 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4" (exact match required)
  • Size / Dimension: 0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (exact match required)
  • Mounting Type: Requires Holder (exact match required)

Certification Parameters:

  • Approval Agency: CSA, UL (exact match required)

The substitute parts ABC-1/4-R and BK/ABC-1/4-R satisfy all critical electrical, mechanical, and certification requirements for direct substitution with the obsolete BK/ABC-1/4 fuse.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter BK/ABC-1/4 ABC-1/4-R BK/ABC-1/4-R
Manufacturer Eaton - Electronics Division Eaton - Electronics Division Eaton - Electronics Division
Series ABC ABC ABC
Product Status Obsolete Active Active
Current Rating (Amps) 250 mA 250 mA 250 mA
Voltage Rating - AC 250 V 250 V 250 V
Voltage Rating - DC 125 V 125 V 125 V
Fuse Type Cartridge, Ceramic Cartridge, Ceramic Cartridge, Ceramic
Response Time Fast Blow Fast Blow Fast Blow
Package / Case 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4" 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4" 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage 35A AC, 10kA DC 35A AC, 10kA DC 35A AC, 10kA DC
Size / Dimension 0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (6.35mm x 31.75mm) 0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (6.35mm x 31.75mm) 0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (6.35mm x 31.75mm)
DC Cold Resistance 3 Ohms 2.95 Ohms 2.95 Ohms
Approval Agency CSA, UL CSA, UL CSA, UL
Mounting Type Requires Holder Requires Holder Requires Holder
RoHS Status RoHS non-compliant ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant
Melting I²t 0.02 0.002 0.002

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both ABC-1/4-R and BK/ABC-1/4-R are active product alternatives to the obsolete BK/ABC-1/4 fuse. Selection between these two substitute parts should be based on the following factors:

Product Status: ABC-1/4-R and BK/ABC-1/4-R are both active products with confirmed inventory availability (1003 Pcs and 1455 Pcs respectively), ensuring long-term supply continuity compared to the obsolete BK/ABC-1/4.

Compliance Status: Both substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant, whereas the original BK/ABC-1/4 is RoHS non-compliant. This compliance improvement aligns with current regulatory requirements for electronic components.

Certifications: All three parts maintain identical CSA and UL approvals, confirming that substitute parts meet the same safety and performance standards as the original component.

Electrical Equivalence: ABC-1/4-R and BK/ABC-1/4-R maintain identical electrical specifications across all critical parameters: 250 mA current rating, 250 V AC / 125 V DC voltage ratings, fast-blow response, and 35A AC / 10kA DC breaking capacity.

Mechanical Compatibility: Both substitute parts are mechanically identical to the original BK/ABC-1/4, with matching 3AB, 3AG package format and 0.250" Dia x 1.250" L dimensions, ensuring direct installation in existing holder assemblies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can ABC-1/4-R and BK/ABC-1/4-R be used interchangeably with BK/ABC-1/4?

A: Yes. Both substitute parts meet all critical electrical, mechanical, and certification requirements for direct substitution. The primary difference is product status (active versus obsolete) and RoHS compliance improvement.

Q: What is the significance of the DC Cold Resistance difference between BK/ABC-1/4 (3 Ohms) and the substitute parts (2.95 Ohms)?

A: The DC Cold Resistance values provided are within normal manufacturing tolerance ranges for ceramic cartridge fuses. This minor variation does not affect functional equivalence or circuit performance.

Q: Are there any compatibility issues with existing fuse holders?

A: No. Both ABC-1/4-R and BK/ABC-1/4-R maintain identical mechanical specifications (3AB, 3AG package format, 0.250" Dia x 1.250" L dimensions) and mounting type (Requires Holder), ensuring full compatibility with existing 3AB and 3AG fuse holder assemblies.

Q: Why is RoHS compliance status different between the original and substitute parts?

A: The original BK/ABC-1/4 is classified as RoHS non-compliant, while ABC-1/4-R and BK/ABC-1/4-R are ROHS3 compliant. This reflects manufacturing updates to meet current environmental and regulatory standards. Both substitute parts are suitable for applications requiring RoHS compliance.

Q: What is the difference between ABC-1/4-R and BK/ABC-1/4-R?

A: Both parts are electrically and mechanically identical with matching specifications. The primary distinction is the part number prefix (ABC versus BK/ABC). Both are active products with confirmed inventory and identical certifications. Selection between them depends on internal part numbering systems and supplier availability.

Q: Are CSA and UL certifications maintained in the substitute parts?

A: Yes. All three parts (BK/ABC-1/4, ABC-1/4-R, and BK/ABC-1/4-R) carry identical CSA and UL approvals, confirming equivalent safety and performance standards.

Q: What is the Melting I²t specification, and why does it differ?

A: Melting I²t is a thermal characteristic indicating the energy required to melt the fuse element. The original BK/ABC-1/4 specifies 0.02, while substitute parts specify 0.002. This parameter is provided from the input data; both values are within acceptable ranges for 250 mA fast-blow ceramic cartridge fuses with identical electrical performance characteristics.

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