BK/GMA-4A Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BK/GMA-4A is a 4 A, 125 V AC/DC fast-blow glass cartridge fuse with a 5mm x 20mm form factor manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division. This component is classified as obsolete, requiring identification of active equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing circuit protection applications. The obsolete status necessitates sourcing from alternative manufacturers or active product lines that maintain identical or compatible electrical and mechanical specifications.

Substiute Parts

BK/GMA-4A

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 789BK/GMA-4A Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

BK/GMA-4-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1656BK/GMA-4-R Datasheet

DirectRFQ

GMA-4-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1155GMA-4-R Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

0235004.HXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 12320235004.HXP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

0235004.MXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 15610235004.MXP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

0235004.VXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 11250235004.VXP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

7010.3470

SCHURTER Inc.In Stock: 10867010.3470 Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the BK/GMA-4A are classified into two categories based on electrical and mechanical compatibility:

Direct Equivalents (Identical Specifications): Parts that maintain all critical parameters including 4 A current rating, 125 V AC voltage rating, fast-blow response, 5mm x 20mm package dimensions, 10 kA breaking capacity, and 19 melting I²t value. These parts are mechanically and electrically interchangeable within the same circuit protection application.

Similar Parts (Voltage Variation): Parts that share identical current rating, fuse type, response time, and package dimensions but operate at different voltage ratings. These require circuit voltage verification before substitution.

The following parameters determine substitution eligibility:

• Current Rating (Amps): 4 A
• Voltage Rating (AC): 125 V (for direct equivalents)
• Fuse Type: Cartridge, Glass
• Response Time: Fast Blow
• Package / Case: 5mm x 20mm
• Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage: 10 kA
• Melting I²t: 19 (for direct equivalents)

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Direct Equivalents):

BK/GMA-4-R and GMA-4-R from Eaton - Electronics Division are direct functional equivalents to the obsolete BK/GMA-4A. Both maintain identical electrical parameters (4 A, 125 V AC, 10 kA breaking capacity, 19 melting I²t) and mechanical form factor (5mm x 20mm). BK/GMA-4-R carries ROHS3 compliance certification, while GMA-4-R carries RoHS compliance certification. Both parts are in active production status with substantial inventory availability.

Secondary Substitutes (Littelfuse Series 235):

The Littelfuse parts 0235004.HXP, 0235004.MXP, and 0235004.VXP are functionally equivalent across all critical parameters except melting I²t (17.14 versus 19) and DC cold resistance (0.0246 Ohms versus 0.026 Ohms). These minor variations remain within acceptable tolerance for most circuit protection applications. All three Littelfuse parts are active, ROHS3 compliant, and carry expanded approval certifications (CE, CSA, KC/K-MARK, PSE, UL). Operating temperature range is specified as -55°C to 125°C.

Alternative Part (Voltage Variation):

SCHURTER 7010.3470 shares identical current rating, fuse type, response time, and package dimensions but operates at 220 V AC. This part is suitable only for circuits designed for 220 V operation and is not interchangeable with 125 V applications. Breaking capacity is specified as 60 A (not 10 kA), and melting I²t is 10. Operating temperature range is -40°C to 70°C.

Compliance Considerations:

For applications requiring RoHS compliance, BK/GMA-4-R, GMA-4-R, and all Littelfuse variants (0235004.HXP, 0235004.MXP, 0235004.VXP) meet current regulatory requirements. The original BK/GMA-4A is RoHS non-compliant and should be replaced with compliant alternatives in new designs or legacy system updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BK/GMA-4-R directly replace the obsolete BK/GMA-4A?

A: Yes. BK/GMA-4-R is a direct equivalent with identical electrical specifications (4 A, 125 V AC, fast-blow response, 10 kA breaking capacity, 19 melting I²t) and mechanical form factor (5mm x 20mm). The primary difference is product status (active versus obsolete) and RoHS compliance (ROHS3 versus non-compliant).

Q: What is the difference between BK/GMA-4-R and GMA-4-R?

A: Both parts are manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division and maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications. The primary distinction is RoHS certification status: BK/GMA-4-R carries ROHS3 compliance, while GMA-4-R carries RoHS compliance. Both are active products suitable for direct substitution.

Q: Are Littelfuse 0235004 series parts fully compatible with BK/GMA-4A?

A: Littelfuse 0235004.HXP, 0235004.MXP, and 0235004.VXP are functionally compatible across all critical parameters. Minor variations exist in melting I²t (17.14 versus 19) and DC cold resistance (0.0246 Ohms versus 0.026 Ohms). These differences are within acceptable engineering tolerance for standard circuit protection applications. All three parts are active, ROHS3 compliant, and carry comprehensive international certifications.

Q: Can SCHURTER 7010.3470 be used as a substitute?

A: SCHURTER 7010.3470 is not a direct substitute. While it shares the same current rating (4 A), fuse type (cartridge glass), response time (fast-blow), and package dimensions (5mm x 20mm), it operates at 220 V AC instead of 125 V AC. This part is suitable only for 220 V circuits and will not function correctly in 125 V applications.

Q: What certifications should I verify for my application?

A: The original BK/GMA-4A carries CCC, CSA, MITI, and UL approvals. Direct equivalents BK/GMA-4-R and GMA-4-R carry CSA, PSE, and UL approvals. Littelfuse variants carry CE, CSA, KC/K-MARK, PSE, and UL approvals. Verify that the selected substitute meets all certifications required by your circuit design and regional regulatory standards.

Q: Are there inventory considerations for selecting a substitute?

A: All substitute parts listed are in active production with substantial inventory availability. BK/GMA-4-R has 1,617 units in stock, GMA-4-R has 1,092 units, Littelfuse 0235004.MXP has 1,545 units, 0235004.HXP has 1,143 units, and 0235004.VXP has 1,032 units. Inventory levels support both immediate procurement and long-term supply chain planning.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for each substitute?

A: Eaton parts (BK/GMA-4-R and GMA-4-R) do not specify operating temperature limits in the provided data. Littelfuse parts (0235004.HXP, 0235004.MXP, 0235004.VXP) operate across -55°C to 125°C. SCHURTER 7010.3470 operates across -40°C to 70°C. Verify temperature requirements for your specific application environment.