BK/GDB-400MA Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BK/GDB-400MA is a 400 mA, 250 V AC/DC fast-blow glass cartridge fuse in 5mm x 20mm package format, manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division. This component is classified as obsolete product status. Due to its obsolete designation, direct replacement with active production equivalents is necessary for new designs, repairs, and ongoing system support. Substitute parts maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications while offering improved availability and compliance certifications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Current Rating	400 mA
Voltage Rating (AC)	250 V
Response Time	Fast Blow
Package / Case	5mm x 20mm
Fuse Type	Cartridge, Glass
Mounting Type	Requires Holder
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	35A
Size / Dimension	0.205" Dia x 0.787" L (5.20mm x 20.00mm)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility is determined by strict equivalence across the following parameters:

Current Rating: 400 mA (exact match required)
Voltage Rating (AC): 250 V (exact match required)
Response Time: Fast Blow (exact match required)
Package / Case: 5mm x 20mm (exact match required)
Fuse Type: Cartridge, Glass (exact match required)
Mounting Type: Requires Holder (exact match required)
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage: 35A (exact match required)

All substitute parts listed below meet these criteria. Variations in melting I²t, DC cold resistance, and approval agencies do not disqualify substitution when all primary electrical and mechanical parameters align.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Current Rating	Voltage Rating (AC)	Response Time	Package / Case	Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	Product Status	Melting I²t	DC Cold Resistance (Ohms)
BK/GDB-400MA	Eaton - Electronics Division	400 mA	250 V	Fast Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Obsolete	0.18	2
BK/S500-400-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	400 mA	250 V	Fast Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Active	0.18	2
BK1/S500-400-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	400 mA	250 V	Fast Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Active	0.18	2
GDB-400MA	Eaton - Electronics Division	400 mA	250 V	Fast Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Active	0.18	2
S500-400-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	400 mA	250 V	Fast Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Active	0.18	2
0034.1512	SCHURTER Inc.	400 mA	250 V	Fast Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Active	0.085	Not specified
0217.400HXP	Littelfuse Inc.	400 mA	250 V	Fast Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Active	0.125	0.277
0217.400MXP	Littelfuse Inc.	400 mA	250 V	Fast Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Active	0.125	0.277
0217.400TXP	Littelfuse Inc.	400 mA	250 V	Fast Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Active	0.125	0.2777
0217.400VXP	Littelfuse Inc.	400 mA	250 V	Fast Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Active	0.125	0.2777
0235.400HXP	Littelfuse Inc.	400 mA	250 V	Fast Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Active	0.05845	1.75

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: Eaton Active Production Series

BK/S500-400-R, BK1/S500-400-R, GDB-400MA, and S500-400-R are direct Eaton - Electronics Division substitutes with active product status. These parts maintain identical electrical characteristics (melting I²t = 0.18, DC cold resistance = 2 Ohms) and are certified by BSI, CCC, CSA, cULus, IMQ, SEMKO, and VDE. Selection from this group ensures manufacturer continuity and maximum compliance coverage.

Secondary Recommendation: Multi-Manufacturer Alternatives

0217.400HXP, 0217.400MXP, 0217.400TXP, and 0217.400VXP (Littelfuse Inc., Series 217) are active production alternatives with comprehensive certifications including CCC, CE, CSA, K-MARK, SEMKO, UL, and VDE. These parts feature melting I²t = 0.125 and DC cold resistance = 0.277 Ohms (or 0.2777 Ohms for TXP/VXP variants). Operating temperature range extends to -55°C ~ 125°C.

Alternative Supplier Option

0034.1512 (SCHURTER Inc., Series FSF 5x20) is an active production substitute with CCC, cURus, and VDE certifications. This part features melting I²t = 0.085 and operating temperature range of -55°C ~ 125°C.

Specialized Application

0235.400HXP (Littelfuse Inc., Series 235) is an active production alternative with CE, CSA, KC, and UL certifications. This part features the lowest melting I²t value (0.05845) and DC cold resistance of 1.75 Ohms, suitable for applications requiring faster response characteristics within the fast-blow category.

All substitute parts are RoHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected where specified.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BK/GDB-400MA be directly replaced with any of the listed substitutes?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts meet the mandatory electrical and mechanical parameters: 400 mA current rating, 250 V AC voltage rating, fast-blow response time, 5mm x 20mm package, 35A breaking capacity, and cartridge glass fuse type requiring a holder. Physical dimensions are identical (0.205" Dia x 0.787" L).

Q: What is the difference between Eaton and Littelfuse substitutes?

A: Eaton substitutes (BK/S500-400-R, BK1/S500-400-R, GDB-400MA, S500-400-R) maintain identical melting I²t (0.18) and DC cold resistance (2 Ohms) to the original BK/GDB-400MA. Littelfuse Series 217 parts (0217.400HXP, 0217.400MXP, 0217.400TXP, 0217.400VXP) feature lower melting I²t values (0.125) and reduced DC cold resistance (0.277 Ohms). Littelfuse Series 235 (0235.400HXP) has the lowest melting I²t (0.05845) and higher DC cold resistance (1.75 Ohms).

Q: Does melting I²t variation affect substitution compatibility?

A: Melting I²t variation does not disqualify substitution when all primary electrical and mechanical parameters are identical. Melting I²t represents thermal energy absorption characteristics and may influence response behavior in specific circuit conditions, but all listed parts maintain the same fast-blow classification and 35A breaking capacity at rated voltage.

Q: Are all substitutes RoHS3 compliant?

A: All active production substitutes listed are RoHS3 compliant. The original BK/GDB-400MA (obsolete status) does not specify RoHS compliance.

Q: What certifications should I prioritize for my application?

A: Selection should be based on required certifications for your specific market and application. Eaton S500 series offers the broadest certification coverage (BSI, CCC, CSA, cULus, IMQ, SEMKO, VDE). Littelfuse Series 217 provides CCC, CE, CSA, K-MARK, SEMKO, UL, and VDE certifications. SCHURTER 0034.1512 provides CCC, cURus, and VDE certifications. Littelfuse Series 235 provides CE, CSA, KC, and UL certifications.

Q: Can I use these fuses without a holder?

A: No. All listed parts, including the original BK/GDB-400MA, require a fuse holder for installation. The 5mm x 20mm cartridge format is designed for use with compatible fuse holders only.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for substitutes?

A: The original BK/GDB-400MA does not specify operating temperature. Active production substitutes from Littelfuse (Series 217 and 235) and SCHURTER (Series FSF 5x20) specify -55°C ~ 125°C operating temperature range. Eaton S500 series does not specify operating temperature in provided data.

Q: Are there inventory considerations for selection?

A: Current inventory levels vary by part number. BK1/S500-400-R (1513 Pcs), 0034.1512 (1915 Pcs), and 0217.400HXP (1900 Pcs) show highest availability. Selection should prioritize active production status and required certifications over inventory levels for long-term supply assurance.

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