Equivalent & Substitute Parts for BK/GMA-63MA Glass Fuse Cartridge

Part Overview

The BK/GMA-63MA is a 63 mA, 250 V AC/DC fast-blow glass fuse cartridge in 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 fuse requires a holder for installation and is designed for applications demanding fast response to overcurrent conditions.

Due to the obsolete status of the BK/GMA-63MA, equivalent active parts from Eaton and cross-manufacturer alternatives are necessary to maintain supply continuity and ensure circuit protection functionality in replacement scenarios.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Current Rating	63 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 for the BK/GMA-63MA is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

Current Rating: 63 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

All identified substitute parts meet these mandatory criteria. Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Category 1: Eaton - Electronics Division Direct Equivalents Parts from Eaton's GMA, GDB, and S500 series maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications. These parts differ in series designation, product status (active vs. obsolete), RoHS compliance levels, and DC cold resistance values.

Category 2: Cross-Manufacturer Equivalents Parts from Littelfuse Inc. (0217.063HXP, 0217.063MXP) and SCHURTER Inc. (0034.1530) provide functional equivalence with identical core electrical parameters. These alternatives offer expanded approval agency certifications and specified operating temperature ranges.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Series	Current Rating (mA)	Voltage (V AC)	Response Time	Package	Breaking Capacity (A)	Product Status	RoHS Status	DC Cold Resistance (Ohms)	Melting I²t
BK/GMA-63MA	Eaton	GMA	63	250	Fast Blow	5x20mm	35	Obsolete	Non-compliant	—	0.00024
BK/GMA-63-R	Eaton	GMA	63	250	Fast Blow	5x20mm	35	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	15.75	0.00024
BK/GDB-63MA	Eaton	GDB	63	250	Fast Blow	5x20mm	35	Active	RoHS Compliant	12.5	0.00057
BK/S500-63-R	Eaton	S500	63	250	Fast Blow	5x20mm	35	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	125	0.00057
BK1/GMA-63-R	Eaton	GMA	63	250	Fast Blow	5x20mm	35	Active	RoHS Compliant	15.75	0.00024
BK1/S500-63-R	Eaton	S500	63	250	Fast Blow	5x20mm	35	Active	RoHS Compliant	12.5	0.00057
GDB-63MA	Eaton	GDB	63	250	Fast Blow	5x20mm	35	Active	RoHS Compliant	12.5	0.00057
GMA-63-R	Eaton	GMA	63	250	Fast Blow	5x20mm	35	Active	RoHS Compliant	15.75	0.00024
S500-63-R	Eaton	S500	63	250	Fast Blow	5x20mm	35	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	125	0.00057
0034.1530	SCHURTER Inc.	FSF 5x20	63	250	Fast Blow	5x20mm	35	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	—	0.000278
0217.063HXP	Littelfuse Inc.	217	63	250	Fast Blow	5x20mm	35	Active	ROHS3 Compliant	10.45	0.00056

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: BK/GMA-63-R or GMA-63-R

The BK/GMA-63-R and GMA-63-R are direct series equivalents to the obsolete BK/GMA-63MA. Both parts maintain identical melting I²t characteristics (0.00024), matching the thermal response profile of the original component. Both are active products with ROHS3 compliance and CSA/PSE/UL certifications. These parts are the preferred direct replacement when maintaining exact thermal characteristics is required.

Secondary Recommendation: BK1/GMA-63-R

The BK1/GMA-63-R offers identical electrical and thermal specifications (melting I²t: 0.00024) with active product status and RoHS compliance. This part is suitable for applications where the GMA series thermal response is critical.

Alternative Recommendation: BK/GDB-63MA or GDB-63MA

The GDB series parts (BK/GDB-63MA, GDB-63MA) provide active product status with RoHS compliance. These parts exhibit higher melting I²t values (0.00057) compared to the original GMA series, resulting in slightly slower thermal response. Selection of GDB series parts is appropriate when circuit design tolerates extended response time or when GDB series inventory availability is prioritized.

Cross-Manufacturer Alternatives: 0217.063HXP (Littelfuse) and 0034.1530 (SCHURTER)

The Littelfuse 0217.063HXP and SCHURTER 0034.1530 provide functional equivalence with expanded approval agency certifications (CCC, CE, CSA, K-MARK, SEMKO, UL, VDE for Littelfuse; CCC, cURus, VDE for SCHURTER). Both cross-manufacturer parts are active products with ROHS3 compliance. The Littelfuse part specifies operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 125°C) and DC cold resistance (10.45 Ohms). The SCHURTER part specifies operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 125°C). These alternatives are suitable when multi-source supply or expanded certification requirements are necessary.

S500 Series Consideration: BK/S500-63-R, BK1/S500-63-R, S500-63-R

The S500 series parts maintain identical electrical specifications but exhibit significantly higher DC cold resistance (125 Ohms for BK/S500-63-R and S500-63-R; 12.5 Ohms for BK1/S500-63-R). These parts are active with ROHS3 compliance. Selection of S500 series parts is appropriate when circuit design accommodates the resistance variation or when S500 series inventory is prioritized.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can BK/GMA-63-R directly replace the obsolete BK/GMA-63MA?

Yes. The BK/GMA-63-R is a direct series equivalent with identical current rating (63 mA), voltage rating (250 V AC), response time (fast blow), package (5x20mm), and melting I²t (0.00024). The primary difference is product status (active vs. obsolete) and RoHS compliance level. No circuit redesign is required.

Q2: What is the difference between GMA and GDB series fuses?

Both series maintain identical electrical ratings (63 mA, 250 V AC, fast blow, 5x20mm). The primary technical difference is melting I²t: GMA series is 0.00024, while GDB series is 0.00057. This results in slightly slower thermal response for GDB series. Both are active products with RoHS compliance.

Q3: Why do S500 series parts show different DC cold resistance values?

DC cold resistance varies by manufacturing series and design. BK/S500-63-R and S500-63-R specify 125 Ohms, while BK1/S500-63-R specifies 12.5 Ohms. All S500 parts maintain identical electrical ratings and breaking capacity. Circuit design must accommodate the specified resistance value for the selected part.

Q4: Are cross-manufacturer parts (Littelfuse, SCHURTER) fully compatible?

Yes. The Littelfuse 0217.063HXP and SCHURTER 0034.1530 meet all mandatory electrical and mechanical parameters: 63 mA current rating, 250 V AC voltage rating, fast-blow response, 5x20mm package, and 35A breaking capacity. Both are active products with ROHS3 compliance and expanded approval agency certifications. Compatibility is confirmed for direct substitution.

Q5: What approval agencies certify these fuse cartridges?

Eaton GMA/GDB/S500 series parts carry CSA, PSE, and UL certifications. Littelfuse 0217.063HXP carries CCC, CE, CSA, K-MARK, SEMKO, UL, and VDE certifications. SCHURTER 0034.1530 carries CCC, cURus, and VDE certifications. Application requirements determine which certification set is necessary.

Q6: Do all substitute parts require the same holder?

Yes. All substitute parts maintain the 5mm x 20mm form factor and require a compatible 5x20mm fuse holder. No holder modification or replacement is necessary when substituting between listed parts.

Q7: What is the operating temperature range for these fuses?

Eaton GMA/GDB/S500 series parts do not specify operating temperature range in provided data. Littelfuse 0217.063HXP and SCHURTER 0034.1530 specify -55°C ~ 125°C operating temperature range. Application-specific temperature requirements should be verified against selected part specifications.

Q8: How does melting I²t affect fuse selection?

Melting I²t determines thermal response characteristics. Lower I²t values (GMA series: 0.00024) result in faster thermal response. Higher I²t values (GDB/S500 series: 0.00057) result in slightly slower response. Circuit protection design must match the selected fuse's I²t to ensure proper overcurrent response timing.

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