Equivalent & Substitute Parts for BK/ABC-18

Part Overview

The BK/ABC-18 is an 18 A ceramic cartridge fuse rated for 250 V AC and 125 V DC operation with fast-blow response characteristics. This component is classified as obsolete and requires a compatible fuse holder for installation. The obsolete status necessitates identification of active equivalent parts to maintain system functionality and ensure continued availability for replacement applications.

Substiute Parts

BK/ABC-18
Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 893BK/ABC-18 Datasheet
BK/ABC-18
Current Part
BK/ABC-18-R
Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1597BK/ABC-18-R Datasheet
BK/ABC-18-R
Direct

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Current Rating 18 A
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)
Mounting Type Requires Holder
Approval Agency CSA, UL

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BK/ABC-18 is determined by equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Current Rating: Both the main part and substitute maintain 18 A current rating, ensuring identical overcurrent protection characteristics.

Voltage Rating - AC: Both parts are rated for 250 V AC, maintaining compatibility with the original circuit voltage specification.

Fuse Type and Response Time: Both are ceramic cartridge fuses with fast-blow response, preserving the intended protection profile.

Physical Package: Both parts conform to the 3AB and 3AG package standards with identical dimensions (0.250" Dia x 1.250" L), ensuring mechanical compatibility with existing fuse holders.

Approval Certifications: Both parts carry CSA and UL approvals, maintaining regulatory compliance requirements.

The substitute part BK/ABC-18-R differs from the main part in product status (active versus obsolete) and RoHS compliance status, making it suitable for new designs and ongoing production requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter BK/ABC-18 (Main Part) BK/ABC-18-R (Substitute)
Manufacturer Eaton - Electronics Division Eaton - Electronics Division
Series ABC ABC
Current Rating (Amps) 18 A 18 A
Voltage Rating - AC 250 V 250 V
Voltage Rating - DC 125 V Not specified
Fuse Type Cartridge, Ceramic Cartridge, Ceramic
Response Time Fast Blow Fast Blow
Package / Case 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4" 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"
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)
Mounting Type Requires Holder Requires Holder
Approval Agency CSA, UL CSA, UL
Product Status Obsolete Active
RoHS Status RoHS non-compliant ROHS3 Compliant
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage Not specified 400 A
DC Cold Resistance Not specified 0.00465 Ohms

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The BK/ABC-18-R serves as the direct active equivalent for the obsolete BK/ABC-18. Selection of the substitute part is based on the following engineering criteria:

Product Status: The BK/ABC-18-R maintains active product status with confirmed inventory availability (1512 pieces), whereas the BK/ABC-18 is classified as obsolete. For new designs and ongoing production, the BK/ABC-18-R is the appropriate selection.

Regulatory Compliance: The BK/ABC-18-R achieves ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements. The original BK/ABC-18 does not meet these standards.

Electrical Equivalence: Both parts maintain identical current rating (18 A), AC voltage rating (250 V), fuse type (ceramic cartridge), response time (fast blow), and physical dimensions. These parameters ensure direct functional substitution within existing circuit designs and fuse holder assemblies.

Certifications: Both parts carry CSA and UL approvals, maintaining the required safety certifications for the application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the BK/ABC-18-R be used as a direct replacement for the BK/ABC-18?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical current rating (18 A), AC voltage rating (250 V), ceramic cartridge fuse type, fast-blow response, and physical dimensions (0.250" Dia x 1.250" L). Both are compatible with 3AB and 3AG fuse holders. The BK/ABC-18-R is the active equivalent part.

Q: What is the primary reason to transition from BK/ABC-18 to BK/ABC-18-R?

A: The BK/ABC-18 is classified as obsolete with no ongoing production. The BK/ABC-18-R is an active product with confirmed inventory availability and meets current RoHS3 compliance requirements.

Q: Are there any differences in electrical performance between these parts?

A: Both parts maintain the same current rating, voltage rating, and response time. The BK/ABC-18-R provides additional specification data including breaking capacity (400 A) and DC cold resistance (0.00465 Ohms), which were not specified for the original part.

Q: Will the BK/ABC-18-R fit in existing BK/ABC-18 fuse holders?

A: Yes. Both parts conform to identical package standards (3AB, 3AG) and physical dimensions (0.250" Dia x 1.250" L), ensuring mechanical compatibility with existing fuse holder assemblies.

Q: What certifications apply to the BK/ABC-18-R?

A: The BK/ABC-18-R carries CSA and UL approvals, matching the certification requirements of the original BK/ABC-18.

Q: Is the BK/ABC-18-R suitable for DC applications?

A: The BK/ABC-18-R specification does not explicitly state a DC voltage rating. For applications requiring DC operation, the original BK/ABC-18 specification (125 V DC) should be referenced for design verification.

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