Equivalent & Substitute Parts for BK/GMA-V-1.6A

Part Overview

The BK/GMA-V-1.6A is a 1.6 A 250 V AC DC fast-blow glass cartridge fuse with a 5mm x 20mm axial form factor, manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division. This component is classified as obsolete, requiring identification of active equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing system design and maintenance applications. The GMA series fuse provides 100A breaking capacity at rated voltage with a melting I²t of 2, suitable for circuit protection in industrial and commercial equipment.

Substiute Parts

BK/GMA-V-1.6A

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 871BK/GMA-V-1.6A Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

BK/GMA-V-1.6-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1009BK/GMA-V-1.6-R Datasheet

DirectRFQ

BK/GDB-V-1.6A

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1157BK/GDB-V-1.6A Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

BK/S500-V-1.6-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 879BK/S500-V-1.6-R Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

021701.6MXEP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1817021701.6MXEP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

5SFP 1.6-R

Bel Fuse Inc.In Stock: 20985SFP 1.6-R Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the BK/GMA-V-1.6A is determined by strict equivalence in the following parameters:

• Current Rating: 1.6 A (exact match required)
• Voltage Rating (AC): 250 V (exact match required)
• Fuse Type: Cartridge, Glass (exact match required)
• Package / Case: 5mm x 20mm (Axial) (exact match required)
• Response Time: Fast Blow (exact match required)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole (exact match required)

All identified substitute parts meet these core electrical and mechanical criteria. Variations in breaking capacity, melting I²t, DC cold resistance, and approval agencies are permitted within the scope of parametric equivalence, provided the primary electrical characteristics remain unchanged.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Replacement (Eaton GMA Series)

BK/GMA-V-1.6-R is the active equivalent of the obsolete BK/GMA-V-1.6A. Both parts share identical electrical specifications, breaking capacity (100A), and melting I²t (2). The primary distinction is product status and RoHS compliance. BK/GMA-V-1.6-R is the preferred selection for direct substitution in existing designs requiring GMA series characteristics.

Parametric Equivalents (Eaton Alternative Series)

BK/GDB-V-1.6A and BK/S500-V-1.6-R are active Eaton alternatives meeting core electrical parameters. Both parts feature reduced breaking capacity (35A) and lower melting I²t (1.6) compared to the GMA series. These parts are suitable for applications where the lower breaking capacity is acceptable. BK/S500-V-1.6-R offers broader international approval certifications (BSI, CCC, CSA, cULus, IMQ, SEMKO, VDE).

Cross-Manufacturer Equivalents

021701.6MXEP (Littelfuse 217 series) and 5SFP 1.6-R (Bel Fuse 5SFP series) are active cross-manufacturer alternatives. Both meet all core electrical and mechanical parameters. 5SFP 1.6-R features the lowest DC cold resistance (0.05 Ohms) and extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 125°C). 021701.6MXEP provides the highest melting I²t (4.615) among all alternatives.

All substitute parts carry active product status and RoHS compliance, supporting long-term supply chain continuity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BK/GMA-V-1.6-R directly replace BK/GMA-V-1.6A in existing applications?

A: Yes. BK/GMA-V-1.6-R is the active equivalent with identical electrical specifications (1.6 A, 250 V AC), breaking capacity (100A), and melting I²t (2). The parts are mechanically and electrically interchangeable. The primary difference is product status and RoHS compliance.

Q: What is the difference between the GMA series and the GDB/S500 series alternatives?

A: The GMA series (BK/GMA-V-1.6-R) provides 100A breaking capacity with melting I²t of 2. The GDB and S500 series provide 35A breaking capacity with melting I²t of 1.6. Selection depends on circuit protection requirements. Lower breaking capacity is acceptable in applications with inherently limited fault current.

Q: Are cross-manufacturer parts (Littelfuse, Bel Fuse) fully compatible?

A: Yes. 021701.6MXEP and 5SFP 1.6-R meet all core electrical and mechanical parameters: 1.6 A, 250 V AC, 5x20mm package, fast-blow response, and through-hole mounting. Physical dimensions vary slightly (Littelfuse: 5.80mm x 22.50mm; Bel Fuse: 5.50mm x 21.00mm), which may affect fit in space-constrained applications. Verify mechanical clearance before substitution.

Q: Which substitute part offers the best long-term availability?

A: All identified substitutes carry active product status. 5SFP 1.6-R (Bel Fuse) has the highest current inventory (2031 pcs). BK/GMA-V-1.6-R (Eaton) maintains 937 pcs in stock and is the direct series equivalent.

Q: What approval certifications should I consider for regulatory compliance?

A: BK/GMA-V-1.6-R carries CSA, PSE, and UL certifications. BK/S500-V-1.6-R offers the broadest certification scope (BSI, CCC, CSA, cULus, IMQ, SEMKO, VDE). 5SFP 1.6-R and 021701.6MXEP both carry CCC, CE, CSA, and UL certifications. Select based on target market regulatory requirements.

Q: Can I use a substitute with different melting I²t in my circuit?

A: Melting I²t affects thermal response characteristics. The GMA series (I²t = 2) responds faster than GDB/S500 (I²t = 1.6) or Littelfuse 217 (I²t = 4.615). Substitution with different I²t values requires circuit analysis to confirm protection coordination with upstream and downstream devices. Consult circuit protection design documentation.