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

Part Overview

The BK/ABC-2-1/2 is a 2.5 A ceramic cartridge fuse 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 parts to maintain circuit protection functionality in applications utilizing 3AB and 3AG holder formats. Substitute parts must maintain identical electrical ratings and mechanical compatibility to ensure proper installation and performance in existing designs.

Substiute Parts

BK/ABC-2-1/2
Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 833BK/ABC-2-1/2 Datasheet
BK/ABC-2-1/2
Current Part
ABC-2-1/2-R
Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1040ABC-2-1/2-R Datasheet
ABC-2-1/2-R
Direct
BK/ABC-2-1/2-R
Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1122BK/ABC-2-1/2-R Datasheet
BK/ABC-2-1/2-R
Direct
0001.1028
SCHURTER Inc.In Stock: 6500001.1028 Datasheet
0001.1028
Similar

Key Parameters

Parameter Value Criticality for Substitution
Current Rating 2.5 A Critical - Must Match Exactly
Voltage Rating - AC 250 V Critical - Must Match Exactly
Voltage Rating - DC 125 V Critical - Must Match Exactly
Fuse Type Cartridge, Ceramic Critical - Determines Holder Compatibility
Package / Case 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4" (6.35mm x 31.75mm) Critical - Physical Fit Requirement
Response Time Fast Blow Critical - Circuit Protection Characteristic
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage 100A AC, 10kA DC Important - Fault Current Handling
Approval Agency CSA, UL Important - Regulatory Compliance
RoHS Status RoHS non-compliant (Original) Important - Environmental Compliance

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility is determined by strict alignment with the following parameters:

Critical Matching Requirements:

  • Current Rating: 2.5 A (exact match required)
  • Voltage Rating - AC: 250 V (exact match required)
  • Voltage Rating - DC: 125 V (exact match required)
  • Package / Case: 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4" (exact match required)
  • Response Time: Fast Blow (exact match required)
  • Fuse Type: Cartridge format (exact match required)

Acceptable Variation Parameters:

  • Melting I²t: Variation permitted within operational tolerance
  • DC Cold Resistance: Variation permitted within operational tolerance
  • Product Status: Active status preferred over obsolete
  • RoHS Compliance: Upgrade to compliant status acceptable
  • Manufacturer: Alternative manufacturers acceptable if all critical parameters match

Substitute Categories:

Direct Equivalents (Same Manufacturer - Eaton):

  • ABC-2-1/2-R
  • BK/ABC-2-1/2-R

Both parts are manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division and maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications to the original BK/ABC-2-1/2, with the advantage of active product status and RoHS3 compliance.

Similar Substitute (Alternative Manufacturer - SCHURTER):

  • 0001.1028

This part matches current rating, AC voltage rating, package dimensions, and response time. However, it differs in fuse material (glass vs. ceramic) and DC voltage rating specification, classifying it as a similar substitute rather than a direct equivalent.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter BK/ABC-2-1/2 (Original) ABC-2-1/2-R BK/ABC-2-1/2-R 0001.1028 (SCHURTER)
Manufacturer Eaton - Electronics Division Eaton - Electronics Division Eaton - Electronics Division SCHURTER Inc.
Current Rating (Amps) 2.5 A 2.5 A 2.5 A 2.5 A
Voltage Rating - AC 250 V 250 V 250 V 250 V
Voltage Rating - DC 125 V 125 V 125 V Not Specified
Fuse Type Cartridge, Ceramic Cartridge, Ceramic Cartridge, Ceramic Cartridge, Glass
Response Time Fast Blow 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" 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) 0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (6.35mm x 31.75mm) 0.250" Dia x 1.252" L (6.35mm x 31.80mm)
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage 100A AC, 10kA DC 100A AC, 10kA DC 100A AC, 10kA DC 1.5kA
Melting I²t 8.53 4.467 4.467 4.1
DC Cold Resistance (Ohms) 0.05875 0.061 0.061 Not Specified
Product Status Obsolete Active Active Obsolete
RoHS Status RoHS non-compliant ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant
Approval Agency CSA, UL CSA, UL CSA, UL Not Specified
Operating Temperature Not Specified Not Specified Not Specified -40°C ~ 85°C
Inventory Status 736 Pcs New Original In Stock 1001 Pcs New Original In Stock 1012 Pcs New Original In Stock 619 Pcs New Original In Stock

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Direct Equivalents):

ABC-2-1/2-R and BK/ABC-2-1/2-R are the preferred substitutes for BK/ABC-2-1/2. Both parts are manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division and provide identical electrical performance and mechanical compatibility. These substitutes offer the following advantages:

  • Active product status ensures continued availability and supply chain reliability
  • RoHS3 compliance meets current environmental regulations
  • Maintained CSA and UL approvals confirm regulatory acceptance
  • Identical current rating, voltage ratings, and breaking capacity specifications
  • Compatible with existing 3AB and 3AG holder installations
  • Higher inventory levels support procurement requirements

The selection between ABC-2-1/2-R and BK/ABC-2-1/2-R depends on packaging requirements. ABC-2-1/2-R is supplied in bulk packaging, while BK/ABC-2-1/2-R is also available in bulk format. Both maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications.

Secondary Substitute (Alternative Manufacturer):

The SCHURTER 0001.1028 is classified as a similar substitute due to material and specification differences. This part shares the 2.5 A current rating, 250 V AC voltage rating, fast blow response time, and 3AB/3AG package compatibility. However, the following differences apply:

  • Fuse material is glass rather than ceramic
  • DC voltage rating is not specified in available documentation
  • Breaking capacity is reduced to 1.5kA compared to 10kA DC for Eaton parts
  • Product status is obsolete, limiting long-term availability
  • Approval agency information is not specified

The SCHURTER 0001.1028 is suitable only for applications where ceramic fuse material is not a design requirement and where the reduced breaking capacity is acceptable for the circuit protection application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can ABC-2-1/2-R be used as a direct replacement for BK/ABC-2-1/2?

A: Yes. ABC-2-1/2-R is a direct equivalent manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division with identical electrical ratings (2.5 A, 250 V AC, 125 V DC), fuse type (ceramic cartridge), response time (fast blow), and package format (3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"). The part is compatible with existing holder installations and provides active product status with RoHS3 compliance.

Q: What is the difference between ABC-2-1/2-R and BK/ABC-2-1/2-R?

A: Both parts are manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division and maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications. The primary difference is the part number designation. Both are active products with RoHS3 compliance and CSA/UL approvals. Selection between these parts depends on internal part numbering systems and procurement procedures.

Q: Is the SCHURTER 0001.1028 a suitable replacement for the Eaton BK/ABC-2-1/2?

A: The SCHURTER 0001.1028 is a similar substitute with matching current rating (2.5 A), AC voltage rating (250 V), response time (fast blow), and package dimensions. However, it differs in fuse material (glass vs. ceramic) and does not specify a DC voltage rating. The breaking capacity is also reduced to 1.5kA. This part is suitable only for applications where ceramic material is not required and where the reduced breaking capacity is acceptable. The product is obsolete, which may limit future availability.

Q: Will the substitute fuses fit in my existing 3AB and 3AG holders?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed maintain the 3AB and 3AG package format with dimensions of 1/4" diameter by 1-1/4" length (6.35mm x 31.75mm). The SCHURTER 0001.1028 has a dimension of 0.250" Dia x 1.252" L (6.35mm x 31.80mm), which is within acceptable tolerance for holder compatibility. Physical verification is recommended before installation in critical applications.

Q: What is the significance of the Melting I²t value difference between the original and substitute parts?

A: The Melting I²t value indicates the thermal energy required to melt the fuse element. The original BK/ABC-2-1/2 has a Melting I²t of 8.53, while the Eaton substitutes (ABC-2-1/2-R and BK/ABC-2-1/2-R) have a value of 4.467. Both values are provided by the manufacturer and indicate that the substitute parts will respond to fault conditions within the design parameters of the circuit protection system. The difference reflects manufacturing improvements in the active product line.

Q: Are the substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. Both Eaton substitutes (ABC-2-1/2-R and BK/ABC-2-1/2-R) are RoHS3 compliant, providing environmental compliance for modern manufacturing and procurement standards. The original BK/ABC-2-1/2 is RoHS non-compliant. The SCHURTER 0001.1028 is also RoHS3 compliant.

Q: What approvals do the substitute parts carry?

A: The Eaton substitutes (ABC-2-1/2-R and BK/ABC-2-1/2-R) maintain CSA and UL approvals, identical to the original BK/ABC-2-1/2. These certifications confirm regulatory acceptance for circuit protection applications. The SCHURTER 0001.1028 does not specify approval agency information in available documentation.

Q: Why is the original BK/ABC-2-1/2 listed as obsolete?

A: Obsolete status indicates that the manufacturer has discontinued active production and support for this part number. Eaton - Electronics Division has transitioned to the active equivalent parts ABC-2-1/2-R and BK/ABC-2-1/2-R, which provide identical functionality with improved compliance and manufacturing standards. Substitution to active parts ensures continued availability and supply chain reliability.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)