Equivalent & Substitute Parts for BK/C520-3A Glass Cartridge Fuse

Part Overview

The BK/C520-3A is a 3 A, 250 V AC fast-blow glass cartridge fuse manufactured by Eaton Electronics Division in the 2AG package format (5mm x 15mm). This fuse is classified as obsolete product status. Identification of equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain circuit protection functionality in applications where the original part is no longer available through standard distribution channels. Substitute parts must maintain identical electrical ratings, mechanical dimensions, and approval certifications to ensure direct compatibility without circuit redesign.

Substiute Parts

BK/C520-3A

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1126BK/C520-3A Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

BK/C520-3-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1999BK/C520-3-R Datasheet

DirectRFQ

BK1/C520-3-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 922BK1/C520-3-R Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

0225003.VXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 11260225003.VXP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

0225003.HXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 22190225003.HXP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

0225003.MXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 43170225003.MXP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the BK/C520-3A are classified into two categories based on electrical and mechanical parameter alignment:

Category 1: Direct Electrical & Mechanical Equivalents (Eaton C520 Series)

Parts BK/C520-3-R and BK1/C520-3-R maintain identical current rating (3 A), AC voltage rating (250 V), package format (2AG, 5mm x 15mm), response time (Fast Blow), melting I²t (6.1), DC cold resistance (0.038 Ohms), and approval certifications (CSA, UL). These parts differ only in product status (Active vs. Obsolete) and RoHS compliance status. BK/C520-3-R is the direct replacement with identical specifications and active product status. BK1/C520-3-R is a parametric equivalent with active status but features increased breaking capacity at rated voltage (250 V vs. 100 A).

Category 2: Cross-Manufacturer Equivalents (Littelfuse 225 Series)

Parts 0225003.VXP, 0225003.MXP, and 0225003.HXP are manufactured by Littelfuse Inc. and share identical current rating (3 A), AC voltage rating (250 V), package format (2AG, 5mm x 15mm), response time (Fast Blow), and melting I²t (4.62). These parts include DC voltage rating specification (125 V DC) not present in the Eaton BK/C520-3A. All three Littelfuse variants are active products with expanded approval certifications (CE, CSA, PSE, UL) and RoHS3 compliance. The three Littelfuse part numbers represent packaging or internal construction variants with identical electrical performance.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: BK/C520-3-R

BK/C520-3-R is the direct replacement for BK/C520-3A. Both parts are manufactured by Eaton Electronics Division and maintain identical electrical specifications: 3 A current rating, 250 V AC voltage rating, 2AG package format, fast-blow response time, 6.1 melting I²t, and 0.038 Ohms DC cold resistance. BK/C520-3-R holds active product status and ROHS3 compliance, addressing the obsolescence of the original part. Approval certifications (CSA, UL) are maintained. This part requires no circuit evaluation and provides direct form-fit-function replacement.

Secondary Recommendation: BK1/C520-3-R

BK1/C520-3-R is a parametric equivalent manufactured by Eaton Electronics Division with identical current rating, AC voltage rating, package format, response time, and melting I²t. This part features increased breaking capacity at rated voltage (250 V specification vs. 100 A in the original). BK1/C520-3-R is active product status with ROHS3 compliance and maintains CSA and UL approvals. Selection of this part is appropriate when enhanced breaking capacity is beneficial to circuit protection performance.

Tertiary Recommendation: Littelfuse 225 Series (0225003.VXP, 0225003.MXP, 0225003.HXP)

The three Littelfuse parts (0225003.VXP, 0225003.MXP, 0225003.HXP) are cross-manufacturer equivalents with identical current rating (3 A), AC voltage rating (250 V), package format (2AG, 5mm x 15mm), and response time (Fast Blow). These parts include DC voltage rating specification (125 V DC) and feature expanded approval certifications (CE, CSA, PSE, UL) and ROHS3 compliance. Melting I²t differs (4.62 vs. 6.1) and DC cold resistance is lower (0.0317 vs. 0.038 Ohms). These parts are suitable for applications requiring DC voltage rating specification or expanded international certifications. The three Littelfuse part numbers are interchangeable variants with identical electrical performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BK/C520-3-R be used as a direct replacement for BK/C520-3A?

A: Yes. BK/C520-3-R is the direct replacement manufactured by Eaton Electronics Division with identical electrical specifications (3 A, 250 V AC, 2AG package, fast-blow response, 6.1 melting I²t, 0.038 Ohms DC cold resistance) and approval certifications (CSA, UL). The only differences are product status (Active vs. Obsolete) and RoHS compliance (ROHS3 Compliant vs. Non-compliant).

Q: What is the difference between BK/C520-3-R and BK1/C520-3-R?

A: Both parts are Eaton Electronics Division products with identical current rating (3 A), AC voltage rating (250 V), package format (2AG, 5mm x 15mm), response time (Fast Blow), and melting I²t (6.1). BK1/C520-3-R specifies breaking capacity at rated voltage as 250 V, while BK/C520-3-R specifies 100 A. Both parts are active products with ROHS3 compliance and CSA/UL approvals.

Q: Are Littelfuse 225 series parts (0225003.VXP, 0225003.MXP, 0225003.HXP) compatible with BK/C520-3A?

A: The Littelfuse parts share identical current rating (3 A), AC voltage rating (250 V), package format (2AG, 5mm x 15mm), and response time (Fast Blow). Differences include melting I²t (4.62 vs. 6.1), DC cold resistance (0.0317 vs. 0.038 Ohms), and inclusion of DC voltage rating (125 V). These parts are suitable for applications where DC voltage rating specification and expanded certifications (CE, CSA, PSE, UL) are required.

Q: What is the difference between 0225003.VXP, 0225003.MXP, and 0225003.HXP?

A: All three Littelfuse parts are identical in electrical specifications: 3 A current rating, 250 V AC, 125 V DC voltage ratings, 2AG package format, fast-blow response time, 4.62 melting I²t, and 0.0317 Ohms DC cold resistance. The part number suffixes (VXP, MXP, HXP) represent packaging or internal construction variants. These parts are interchangeable for electrical performance.

Q: Does the 2AG package format ensure mechanical compatibility?

A: Yes. All substitute parts specified in this document use the 2AG package format with dimensions 5mm x 15mm (0.205" Dia x 0.570" L). This ensures mechanical compatibility with existing fuse holders designed for 2AG cartridge fuses. All parts require a fuse holder for mounting.

Q: What approval certifications are required for my application?

A: The original BK/C520-3A holds CSA and UL approvals. BK/C520-3-R and BK1/C520-3-R maintain these certifications. Littelfuse 225 series parts (0225003.VXP, 0225003.MXP, 0225003.HXP) include expanded certifications: CE, CSA, PSE, and UL. Selection depends on application requirements for specific regional or industry certifications.

Q: Is RoHS compliance a factor in selecting a substitute part?

A: The original BK/C520-3A is RoHS non-compliant. All substitute parts (BK/C520-3-R, BK1/C520-3-R, and Littelfuse 225 series) are ROHS3 compliant. Applications subject to RoHS regulations require selection of compliant substitute parts.