Equivalent & Substitute Parts for BK/GFA-5 Board Mount Fuse

Part Overview

The BK/GFA-5 is a 5A 125VAC board mount fuse manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division. This through-hole cartridge fuse features fast-blow response characteristics and is designed for direct PCB mounting applications. The part is currently active in production with 1099 units in stock. Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical and mechanical parameters are maintained, ensuring functional interchangeability in circuit protection applications.

Substiute Parts

BK/GFA-5

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1144BK/GFA-5 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

GFA-5

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1178GFA-5 Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the BK/GFA-5 board mount fuse is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Electrical Parameters:

• Current Rating: 5 A (exact match required)
• Voltage Rating (AC): 125 V (exact match required)
• Response Time: Fast Blow (exact match required)
• Breaking Capacity: 50 A @ Rated Voltage (exact match required)

Mechanical Parameters:

• Mounting Type: Through Hole (exact match required)
• Package Type: Cartridge, Non-Standard (Axial) (exact match required)
• Physical Dimensions: 0.146" Dia x 0.299" L / 3.70mm x 7.60mm (exact match required)

Compliance Parameters:

• Approval Agencies: CSA and/or UL certification required

Parts meeting all electrical, mechanical, and dimensional specifications are classified as parametric equivalents and may be substituted without circuit redesign or PCB layout modification.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The GFA-5 substitute part maintains full electrical and mechanical equivalence to the BK/GFA-5 across all critical circuit protection parameters. Both parts are manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division, carry identical current, voltage, and breaking capacity ratings, and feature the same through-hole axial cartridge package with matching physical dimensions.

The primary distinction between the main part and substitute is RoHS compliance status. The BK/GFA-5 is RoHS Compliant, while the GFA-5 is RoHS Non-Compliant. Selection between these parts depends on application requirements and regulatory constraints. Applications subject to RoHS directives or customer specifications requiring RoHS compliance must use the BK/GFA-5. Applications without RoHS requirements may use either part interchangeably from a functional standpoint.

Both parts carry CSA and UL approvals, confirming suitability for safety-critical circuit protection applications. Inventory availability differs slightly (1099 units for BK/GFA-5 versus 1139 units for GFA-5).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the GFA-5 be used as a direct replacement for the BK/GFA-5 in all applications?

A: The GFA-5 is electrically and mechanically equivalent to the BK/GFA-5. Direct substitution is possible from a circuit protection standpoint. However, RoHS compliance requirements must be evaluated. If RoHS compliance is mandated by application standards or customer specifications, the BK/GFA-5 must be used.

Q: Are the physical dimensions identical between BK/GFA-5 and GFA-5?

A: Yes. Both parts measure 0.146" diameter by 0.299" length (3.70mm x 7.60mm). PCB footprints and mounting holes are identical, requiring no layout modifications for substitution.

Q: Do both parts have the same breaking capacity?

A: Yes. Both the BK/GFA-5 and GFA-5 have a breaking capacity of 50A at rated voltage, ensuring equivalent fault protection performance.

Q: What is the significance of the RoHS compliance difference?

A: RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliance indicates the absence of restricted materials such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. The BK/GFA-5 is RoHS Compliant; the GFA-5 is not. Selection depends on whether the application or end-use market requires RoHS certification.

Q: Are both parts approved by the same certification agencies?

A: Both parts carry CSA and UL approvals, confirming compliance with North American safety standards for circuit protection devices.

Q: What is the Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) for these fuses?

A: Both parts have MSL 1 (Unlimited), indicating no moisture sensitivity constraints during storage or handling.