Equivalent & Substitute Parts for BK/GDB-1.6A Glass Cartridge Fuse

Part Overview

The BK/GDB-1.6A is a 1.6 A, 250 V AC/DC glass cartridge fuse manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division. This fast-blow fuse is designed for 5mm x 20mm holder applications and is currently in active production status with 937 units in stock. Alternative equivalent parts are necessary when primary stock availability is limited, when specific approval agency certifications are required for regional compliance, or when application-specific performance characteristics such as breaking capacity or melting I²t values require adjustment within compatible parameter ranges.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Current Rating	1.6 A
Voltage Rating (AC)	250 V
Fuse Type	Cartridge, Glass
Package / Case	5mm x 20mm
Response Time	Fast Blow
Mounting Type	Requires Holder
Size / Dimension	0.205" Dia x 0.787" L (5.20mm x 20.00mm)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the BK/GDB-1.6A is determined by strict equivalence in the following core parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

Current Rating: 1.6 A
Voltage Rating (AC): 250 V
Fuse Type: Cartridge, Glass
Package / Case: 5mm x 20mm
Response Time: Fast Blow
Mounting Type: Requires Holder
Physical Dimensions: 0.205" Dia x 0.787" L (5.20mm x 20.00mm)

Variable Parameters (Allowable Differences):

Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage: 35 A to 100 A
Melting I²t: 1.6 to 4.615
DC Cold Resistance: 0.0528 Ohms to 0.08 Ohms
Approval Agency certifications
Manufacturer identity

All substitute parts listed maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications for current, voltage, package dimensions, and response characteristics. Variations in breaking capacity, melting I²t, and resistance are within acceptable engineering tolerances for this component category and do not affect basic substitutability in standard circuit protection applications.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Series	Current (A)	Voltage (V AC)	Breaking Capacity (A)	Melting I²t	DC Resistance (Ω)	Inventory (Pcs)
BK/GDB-1.6A	Eaton	GDB	1.6	250	35	1.6	0.066	937
BK/S500-1.6-R	Eaton	S500	1.6	250	35	1.6	0.066	749
BK/GMA-1.6-R	Eaton	GMA	1.6	250	100	2	0.08	1159
BK1/GMA-1.6-R	Eaton	GMA	1.6	250	100	2	0.08	1966
BK1/S500-1.6-R	Eaton	S500	1.6	250	35	1.6	0.066	1657
GDB-1.6A	Eaton	GDB	1.6	250	35	1.6	0.066	994
GMA-1.6-R	Eaton	GMA	1.6	250	100	2	0.08	705
S500-1.6-R	Eaton	S500	1.6	250	35	1.6	0.066	761
0034.1518	SCHURTER Inc.	FSF 5x20	1.6	250	35	2.94	—	1954
021701.6MXP	Littelfuse Inc.	217	1.6	250	35	4.615	0.0528	50040
021701.6TXP	Littelfuse Inc.	217	1.6	250	35	4.615	0.0528	1308

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Eaton GDB Series (BK/GDB-1.6A, GDB-1.6A): Both GDB variants are direct equivalents with identical electrical and mechanical specifications. Selection between them depends on approval agency requirements: BK/GDB-1.6A carries UL and VDE certifications, while GDB-1.6A carries VDE and UR certifications. Choose based on regional compliance mandates.

Eaton S500 Series (BK/S500-1.6-R, BK1/S500-1.6-R, S500-1.6-R): S500 series fuses provide equivalent performance to GDB with expanded approval agency coverage including BSI, CCC, CSA, cULus, IMQ, SEMKO, and VDE. BK1/S500-1.6-R offers the highest inventory availability (1657 units) among S500 variants. All three S500 options maintain 35 A breaking capacity and 1.6 melting I²t.

Eaton GMA Series (BK/GMA-1.6-R, BK1/GMA-1.6-R, GMA-1.6-R): GMA series fuses provide enhanced breaking capacity (100 A versus 35 A) and higher melting I²t (2 versus 1.6). These are suitable for applications requiring greater fault current handling. BK1/GMA-1.6-R has the highest inventory (1966 units). GMA series carries CSA, PSE, and UL certifications.

SCHURTER 0034.1518 (FSF 5x20 Series): This SCHURTER fuse maintains 35 A breaking capacity and 1.6 A current rating with extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 125°C). Melting I²t is 2.94. Certifications include CCC, cURus, PSE/JET, and VDE. Inventory availability is 1954 units.

Littelfuse 021701.6MXP and 021701.6TXP (217 Series): Both Littelfuse options provide the highest inventory availability (50040 and 1308 units respectively) with identical electrical specifications: 35 A breaking capacity, 4.615 melting I²t, and 0.0528 Ohms DC resistance. Operating temperature range is -55°C to 125°C. Certifications include CCC, CE, CSA, PSE, SEMKO, UL, and VDE. 021701.6MXP includes K-MARK certification; 021701.6TXP includes KC certification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I substitute BK/GDB-1.6A with any of the listed alternatives without circuit modification?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts maintain identical current rating (1.6 A), voltage rating (250 V AC), fuse type (cartridge glass), package dimensions (5mm x 20mm), and response time (fast blow). Physical installation in existing 5mm x 20mm holders is directly compatible. No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the difference between GDB and S500 series fuses?

A: Both series maintain identical electrical specifications for the 1.6 A rating. The primary difference is approval agency certification coverage. S500 series carries broader international certifications (BSI, CCC, CSA, cULus, IMQ, SEMKO, VDE) compared to GDB series. Select based on regional compliance requirements.

Q: When should I use GMA series instead of GDB or S500?

A: GMA series fuses have higher breaking capacity (100 A versus 35 A) and higher melting I²t (2 versus 1.6). Use GMA when the application requires enhanced fault current handling capability. All other electrical parameters remain equivalent.

Q: What is the significance of melting I²t values?

A: Melting I²t indicates the thermal energy required to melt the fuse element. Higher values (such as 4.615 in Littelfuse 217 series) indicate slower thermal response. All listed parts are fast-blow fuses suitable for the same application category. Variations in melting I²t within this range do not affect substitutability for standard circuit protection.

Q: Are there operating temperature differences between manufacturers?

A: Yes. Eaton fuses do not specify operating temperature range. SCHURTER 0034.1518 and Littelfuse 217 series specify -55°C to 125°C operating range. If your application requires extended temperature operation, select SCHURTER or Littelfuse alternatives.

Q: Which substitute has the best inventory availability?

A: Littelfuse 021701.6MXP (217 series) has the highest inventory with 50040 units in stock. If immediate availability is critical, this part offers the best supply position.

Q: Do all substitutes have RoHS compliance?

A: Most substitutes are RoHS3 compliant. BK/GDB-1.6A and GDB-1.6A are RoHS compliant. Verify specific RoHS status requirements for your application before final selection.

Q: Can I mix different manufacturers in the same circuit?

A: Yes. All listed parts meet identical electrical and mechanical specifications for 1.6 A, 250 V AC/DC, 5mm x 20mm cartridge glass fuses. Mixing manufacturers in the same circuit is electrically and mechanically compatible.

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