BK/GMA-5A Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BK/GMA-5A is a 5 A, 125 V AC/DC fast-blow glass cartridge fuse with a 5mm x 20mm form factor manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division. This component requires a compatible fuse holder for installation and is rated for a 10 kA breaking capacity at rated voltage. The part is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent and substitute components that maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility for continued system operation and maintenance.

Substiute Parts

BK/GMA-5A

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 801BK/GMA-5A Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

BK/GMA-5-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 2513BK/GMA-5-R Datasheet

DirectRFQ

GMA-5-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1092GMA-5-R Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

0235005.HXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 200460235005.HXP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

0235005.MXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 33910235005.MXP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

0235005.VXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 10650235005.VXP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

5MF 5-R

Bel Fuse Inc.In Stock: 302415MF 5-R Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

BP/GMA-5A

Eaton - Bussmann Electrical DivisionIn Stock: 985BP/GMA-5A Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

COM-09772

SparkFun ElectronicsIn Stock: 759COM-09772 Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BK/GMA-5A is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters: current rating (5 A), voltage rating (125 V AC), fuse type (cartridge glass), response time (fast blow), physical dimensions (5mm x 20mm), and breaking capacity (10 kA). Parts are grouped into three categories based on their relationship to the main part:

Direct Manufacturer Equivalents maintain identical electrical specifications and are manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division or other primary manufacturers. These parts are direct replacements with active product status.

Parametric Equivalents satisfy all critical electrical and mechanical parameters but may originate from alternative manufacturers or have minor variations in secondary specifications such as melting I²t or DC cold resistance within acceptable tolerances.

Similar Parts meet the primary functional requirements but exhibit variations in one or more secondary parameters such as melting I²t or dimensional tolerances that may affect performance in specific applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: BK/GMA-5-R or GMA-5-R

The BK/GMA-5-R and GMA-5-R are direct Eaton - Electronics Division equivalents with identical electrical specifications to the obsolete BK/GMA-5A. Both parts maintain the same current rating, voltage rating, melting I²t value, and DC cold resistance. These parts carry active product status and ROHS3 compliance, making them the preferred choice for direct replacement in existing designs. The BK/GMA-5-R is available in bulk packaging with 2,483 units in stock, while GMA-5-R offers 1,032 units.

Secondary Recommendation: Littelfuse 0235005 Series (HXP, MXP, VXP)

The Littelfuse 0235005.HXP, 0235005.MXP, and 0235005.VXP are parametric equivalents manufactured by Littelfuse Inc. All three variants maintain identical current, voltage, response time, and breaking capacity specifications. These parts exhibit a melting I²t of 27.41 compared to the original 29, and a DC cold resistance of 0.0184 Ohms compared to 0.021 Ohms. These variations fall within acceptable tolerance ranges for fast-blow cartridge fuses. All three variants carry ROHS3 compliance and active product status. The 0235005.HXP variant has the highest inventory availability at 20,006 units.

Tertiary Recommendation: Bel Fuse 5MF 5-R

The Bel Fuse 5MF 5-R meets all primary electrical and mechanical requirements with active product status and ROHS3 compliance. This part exhibits a higher melting I²t value of 38 compared to the original 29, and a lower DC cold resistance of 0.016 Ohms. The dimensional specification is 5.10mm x 20.00mm, representing a minor variation from the 5.20mm x 20.00mm standard. This part is suitable for applications where the higher melting I²t does not present a concern. Inventory availability is 30,229 units.

Alternative Recommendation: BP/GMA-5A

The BP/GMA-5A is a parametric equivalent from Eaton - Bussmann Electrical Division with active product status and RoHS compliance. This part maintains identical current, voltage, response time, and package specifications. Breaking capacity and melting I²t data are not provided for this variant. This part is suitable for applications where complete specification alignment is not critical. Inventory availability is 916 units.

Supplementary Option: COM-09772

The COM-09772 from SparkFun Electronics is a parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications to the original BK/GMA-5A, including melting I²t of 29 and DC cold resistance of 0.021 Ohms. This part carries active product status and ROHS3 compliance. Inventory availability is 733 units.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BK/GMA-5-R be used as a direct replacement for BK/GMA-5A?

A: Yes. The BK/GMA-5-R is a direct equivalent manufactured by the same company (Eaton - Electronics Division) with identical electrical specifications, including current rating, voltage rating, melting I²t, and DC cold resistance. The primary difference is that BK/GMA-5-R carries active product status and ROHS3 compliance, whereas BK/GMA-5A is obsolete and non-compliant.

Q: What is the difference between the Littelfuse 0235005.HXP, 0235005.MXP, and 0235005.VXP variants?

A: All three Littelfuse variants (0235005.HXP, 0235005.MXP, and 0235005.VXP) share identical electrical specifications including current rating, voltage rating, response time, breaking capacity, melting I²t, and DC cold resistance. The variants differ in their approval agency certifications. The 0235005.HXP and 0235005.MXP carry CE, CSA, KC, PSE, and UL certifications, while 0235005.VXP carries CE, CSA, K-MARK, PSE, and UL certifications. Selection between variants depends on the specific regulatory requirements of the target application.

Q: Are there dimensional differences between substitute parts?

A: The standard package specification is 5mm x 20mm. The Bel Fuse 5MF 5-R specifies 5.10mm x 20.00mm, representing a 0.10mm variation in diameter. This minor dimensional difference may affect fit in fuse holders with tight tolerances. All other substitute parts maintain the standard 5.20mm x 20.00mm specification.

Q: How do melting I²t values affect fuse selection?

A: Melting I²t is a measure of the thermal energy required to melt the fuse element. The original BK/GMA-5A specifies a melting I²t of 29. Littelfuse variants specify 27.41, while Bel Fuse 5MF 5-R specifies 38. Lower melting I²t values result in faster response to overcurrent conditions, while higher values provide greater tolerance to transient current spikes. Selection should be based on the specific circuit protection requirements of the application.

Q: What is the significance of DC cold resistance differences?

A: DC cold resistance affects voltage drop across the fuse during normal operation. The original BK/GMA-5A specifies 0.021 Ohms. Littelfuse variants specify 0.0184 Ohms (lower), while Bel Fuse 5MF 5-R specifies 0.016 Ohms (lower). Lower resistance values result in reduced power dissipation and heat generation during normal operation. These differences are typically negligible in most applications but should be considered in high-current or thermally sensitive circuits.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: The original BK/GMA-5A is RoHS non-compliant. All active substitute parts carry either ROHS3 compliance or RoHS compliance status. If RoHS compliance is a requirement for the target application, all recommended substitutes satisfy this criterion.

Q: What breaking capacity should be considered when selecting a substitute?

A: The original BK/GMA-5A specifies a breaking capacity of 10 kA at rated voltage. All primary substitute recommendations (BK/GMA-5-R, GMA-5-R, Littelfuse 0235005 series, and Bel Fuse 5MF 5-R) maintain this 10 kA breaking capacity. The BP/GMA-5A does not provide breaking capacity data. Breaking capacity determines the maximum fault current the fuse can safely interrupt without rupturing or creating a hazard.

Q: Which substitute part has the highest inventory availability?

A: The Littelfuse 0235005.HXP has the highest inventory availability at 20,006 units in stock, followed by Bel Fuse 5MF 5-R at 30,229 units. For immediate availability of Eaton equivalents, BK/GMA-5-R offers 2,483 units.