BK/GDC-50MA Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BK/GDC-50MA is a 50 mA, 250 V AC/DC slow-blow glass cartridge fuse in a 5mm x 20mm package format. This component is classified as Active product status and requires a fuse holder for installation. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified based on matching electrical ratings, mechanical dimensions, response characteristics, and approval certifications. Alternative sources become necessary for supply chain continuity, extended lead times, or regional availability requirements.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Specification
Current Rating	50 mA
Voltage Rating (AC)	250 V
Fuse Type	Cartridge, Glass
Response Time	Slow Blow
Package / Case	5mm x 20mm
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	35A
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/GDC-50MA is determined by strict equivalence across the following parameters:

Critical Matching Parameters:

Current Rating: 50 mA (exact match required)
Voltage Rating (AC): 250 V (exact match required)
Fuse Type: Cartridge, Glass (exact match required)
Response Time: Slow Blow (exact match required)
Package / Case: 5mm x 20mm (exact match required)
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage: 35A (exact match required)
Mounting Type: Requires Holder (exact match required)

All substitute parts listed below meet these critical parameters. Variations in secondary characteristics such as DC cold resistance, melting I²t values, approval agencies, and operating temperature ranges do not disqualify substitution eligibility when primary electrical and mechanical specifications are identical.

Parameter Comparison

Manufacturer Part Number	Manufacturer	Series	Current Rating (Amps)	Voltage Rating - AC	Response Time	Package / Case	Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	Fuse Type	Product Status
BK/GDC-50MA	Eaton - Electronics Division	GDC	50 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Cartridge, Glass	Active
BK/S506-50-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	S506	50 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Cartridge, Glass	Active
BK1/S506-50-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	S506	50 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Cartridge, Glass	Active
GDC-50MA	Eaton - Electronics Division	GDC	50 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Cartridge, Glass	Active
S506-50-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	S506	50 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Cartridge, Glass	Active
0034.3104	SCHURTER Inc.	FST 5x20	50 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Cartridge, Glass	Active
0218.050HXP	Littelfuse Inc.	218	50 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Cartridge, Glass	Active
0218.050MXP	Littelfuse Inc.	218	50 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Cartridge, Glass	Active
0034.5604.11	SCHURTER Inc.	SMD-FST	50 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Cartridge, Glass	Active
TSD-50MA	OptiFuse	TSD	50 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Cartridge, Glass	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All listed substitute parts maintain Active product status and are suitable for direct replacement based on electrical and mechanical equivalence. Selection among alternatives may be influenced by the following factors:

Approval Certifications: The BK/GDC-50MA carries cULus and IMQ certifications. Substitute parts from Eaton (BK/S506-50-R, BK1/S506-50-R, S506-50-R, GDC-50MA) maintain comparable or expanded certification coverage including BSI, CCC, CSA, IMQ, SEMKO, UR, and VDE. Littelfuse parts (0218.050HXP, 0218.050MXP) provide CCC, CE, CSA, K-MARK, SEMKO, UL, and VDE certifications. SCHURTER parts (0034.3104, 0034.5604.11) include CCC, cURus, and VDE certifications.

RoHS Compliance: The main part is RoHS Compliant. Most substitute parts are ROHS3 Compliant, representing an enhanced compliance status. TSD-50MA is ROHS3 Compliant.

Operating Temperature Range: The BK/GDC-50MA does not specify an operating temperature range. Substitute parts from Littelfuse (0218.050HXP, 0218.050MXP), SCHURTER (0034.3104, 0034.5604.11), and OptiFuse (TSD-50MA) specify -55°C to 125°C operating range, providing extended environmental performance documentation.

Inventory Availability: 0218.050MXP (Littelfuse) shows highest inventory at 16,110 pieces. BK1/S506-50-R (Eaton) provides 2,038 pieces. Other alternatives range from 691 to 2,335 pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BK/GDC-50MA be replaced with any of the listed substitute parts?

A: Yes. All listed parts are electrically and mechanically equivalent, meeting the critical parameters of 50 mA current rating, 250 V AC voltage rating, slow-blow response, 5mm x 20mm package, and 35A breaking capacity. Direct substitution is supported without circuit modification.

Q: Are there differences in DC cold resistance among substitute parts?

A: Yes. The BK/GDC-50MA specifies 9.24 Ohms DC cold resistance. Littelfuse parts (0218.050HXP, 0218.050MXP) specify 23.3 Ohms. SCHURTER and OptiFuse parts do not specify this parameter. These variations do not affect substitution eligibility for standard circuit applications.

Q: What is the significance of melting I²t values?

A: Melting I²t represents the thermal energy required to melt the fuse element. The BK/GDC-50MA specifies 0.0095. Littelfuse parts specify 0.00692, while SCHURTER parts specify 0.0363. These variations reflect different fuse element designs but do not disqualify substitution when all primary electrical ratings match.

Q: Do all substitute parts require a fuse holder?

A: Yes. All listed parts are cartridge-type fuses in 5mm x 20mm format and require a compatible fuse holder for installation. The mounting type is consistent across all alternatives.

Q: Which substitute part has the broadest approval certifications?

A: Littelfuse parts (0218.050HXP, 0218.050MXP) carry the most comprehensive certification set: CCC, CE, CSA, K-MARK, SEMKO, UL, and VDE. Eaton S506 series parts include BSI, CCC, CSA, IMQ, SEMKO, UR, and VDE.

Q: Is REACH compliance status relevant for substitution?

A: REACH status is provided for regulatory documentation purposes. Most substitute parts indicate REACH Unaffected status. The BK/GDC-50MA does not specify REACH status. This does not affect electrical or mechanical substitution eligibility.

Q: Can the BK/GDC-50MA be used in applications requiring -55°C to 125°C operating temperature?

A: The BK/GDC-50MA does not specify an operating temperature range. For applications requiring documented performance across -55°C to 125°C, substitute parts from Littelfuse (0218.050HXP, 0218.050MXP), SCHURTER (0034.3104, 0034.5604.11), or OptiFuse (TSD-50MA) provide this specification.

Q: Are there packaging differences among substitute parts?

A: All substitute parts are supplied in Bulk packaging, consistent with the BK/GDC-50MA. No tape-and-reel or alternative packaging formats are specified in this equivalence list.

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