BK/GMC-100MA Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BK/GMC-100MA is a 100 mA, 250 V AC/DC glass cartridge fuse manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division. This component is classified as obsolete and requires a fuse holder for installation. The 5mm x 20mm form factor is a standard miniature fuse package widely used in industrial and consumer electronics applications. Due to its obsolete status, direct replacement with active product alternatives is necessary for new designs and ongoing maintenance applications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Current Rating	100 mA
Voltage Rating (AC)	250 V
Fuse Type	Cartridge, Glass
Package / Case	5mm x 20mm
Response Time	Medium Blow
Mounting Type	Requires Holder
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	35A
Melting I²t	0.0094
DC Cold Resistance	4.775 Ohms
Approval Agencies	CSA, KC-MARK, UL
Product Status	Obsolete
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BK/GMC-100MA is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Primary Equivalence Criteria:

Current Rating: 100 mA (exact match required)
Voltage Rating (AC): 250 V (exact match required)
Package / Case: 5mm x 20mm (exact match required)
Fuse Type: Cartridge, Glass (exact match required)
Response Time: Medium Blow (exact match required)
Mounting Type: Requires Holder (exact match required)

Secondary Consideration Parameters:

Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage
Melting I²t
DC Cold Resistance
Approval Agency certifications
RoHS compliance status

All substitute parts listed maintain identical primary equivalence criteria. Variations in secondary parameters (breaking capacity, melting I²t, and resistance) reflect different manufacturer designs but do not affect functional interchangeability within the specified electrical and mechanical constraints.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Current Rating (mA)	Voltage (V AC)	Package	Response Time	Breaking Capacity (A)	Melting I²t	Product Status	RoHS Status
BK/GMC-100MA	Eaton	100	250	5x20mm	Medium Blow	35	0.0094	Obsolete	Non-compliant
BK/GMC-100-R	Eaton	100	250	5x20mm	Medium Blow	35	0.0094	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
BK1/GMC-100-R	Eaton	100	250	5x20mm	Medium Blow	35	0.0094	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
GMC-100-R	Eaton	100	250	5x20mm	Medium Blow	35	0.0094	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
20101000001	Littelfuse	100	250	5x20mm	Medium Blow	80	0.022	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
20101000001P	Littelfuse Inc.	100	250	5x20mm	Medium Blow	80	0.022	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
20101000021	Littelfuse Inc.	100	250	5x20mm	Medium Blow	80	0.022	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
20101000021P	Littelfuse Inc.	100	250	5x20mm	Medium Blow	80	0.022	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
20101000301	Littelfuse Inc.	100	250	5x20mm	Medium Blow	80	0.022	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
20101000301P	Littelfuse Inc.	100	250	5x20mm	Medium Blow	80	0.022	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MSC-100MA	OptiFuse	100	250	5x20mm	Medium Blow	100	0.01227	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Eaton GMC Series (Direct Manufacturer Alternatives):

The BK/GMC-100-R, BK1/GMC-100-R, and GMC-100-R are direct Eaton alternatives to the obsolete BK/GMC-100MA. These parts maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications, including breaking capacity (35A) and melting I²t (0.0094). All three are active products with ROHS3 compliance, making them suitable for new designs and RoHS-regulated applications. The primary distinction between these variants is packaging configuration and series designation. Selection among these three should be based on current availability and specific procurement requirements.

Littelfuse 201 Series (Cross-Manufacturer Equivalents):

The Littelfuse 20101000001, 20101000001P, 20101000021, 20101000021P, 20101000301, and 20101000301P represent parametrically equivalent alternatives from a different manufacturer. These parts maintain the same current rating, voltage, package, and response time. However, they feature higher breaking capacity (80A) and higher melting I²t (0.022) compared to the original specification. These parts carry cULus certification and ROHS3 compliance. Selection of Littelfuse alternatives is appropriate when Eaton parts are unavailable or when the higher breaking capacity provides system-level advantages.

OptiFuse MSC Series (Extended Performance Alternative):

The MSC-100MA from OptiFuse provides the highest breaking capacity (100A) and operates across an extended temperature range (-55°C to 125°C). This part is suitable for applications requiring enhanced fault protection or operation in extreme temperature environments. MSC-100MA carries cULus and UL 248 certifications with ROHS3 compliance.

Compliance Considerations:

The original BK/GMC-100MA is RoHS non-compliant. All substitute parts listed are ROHS3 compliant, making them mandatory for applications subject to RoHS regulations. Approval agencies vary slightly across manufacturers; verify that the selected substitute meets the specific certification requirements of your application (CSA, KC-MARK, UL, cULus, or UL 248).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use BK/GMC-100-R as a direct replacement for BK/GMC-100MA?

A: Yes. The BK/GMC-100-R is electrically and mechanically identical to the BK/GMC-100MA. Both share the same current rating (100 mA), voltage rating (250 V AC), package (5mm x 20mm), response time (Medium Blow), breaking capacity (35A), and melting I²t (0.0094). The primary difference is product status: BK/GMC-100-R is active and ROHS3 compliant, while BK/GMC-100MA is obsolete and RoHS non-compliant.

Q: What is the difference between BK/GMC-100-R, BK1/GMC-100-R, and GMC-100-R?

A: All three are Eaton products with identical electrical and mechanical specifications. The differences are in series designation and packaging configuration. Selection should be based on availability and specific procurement requirements. All three are active products with ROHS3 compliance.

Q: Can I substitute a Littelfuse part for an Eaton part?

A: Yes, with the understanding that Littelfuse parts have higher breaking capacity (80A versus 35A) and higher melting I²t (0.022 versus 0.0094). These differences do not affect functional interchangeability within the specified electrical and mechanical constraints. Littelfuse parts are suitable when Eaton alternatives are unavailable or when enhanced fault protection is beneficial.

Q: What is the difference between the Littelfuse 201 series variants (20101000001, 20101000021, 20101000301)?

A: All variants maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications. The differences are in series designation and internal design variations. The "P" suffix indicates packaging or series variant. Selection among these variants should be based on availability and specific procurement requirements.

Q: Is MSC-100MA compatible with the same fuse holder as BK/GMC-100MA?

A: Yes. The MSC-100MA maintains the same 5mm x 20mm package and requires the same holder type. It is mechanically and electrically compatible with existing fuse holder installations.

Q: Which substitute part should I choose for a new design?

A: For new designs, select from active products with appropriate certifications. Eaton GMC series (BK/GMC-100-R, BK1/GMC-100-R, GMC-100-R) provide direct specification equivalence. Littelfuse 201 series and OptiFuse MSC-100MA are suitable alternatives when Eaton parts are unavailable. All listed substitutes are ROHS3 compliant and carry recognized certifications (cULus, UL, UL 248).

Q: Does the higher breaking capacity of Littelfuse parts affect circuit protection?

A: No. Breaking capacity is the maximum fault current the fuse can safely interrupt. Higher breaking capacity does not change the fuse's response to normal operating current or its trip threshold. The 100 mA current rating and Medium Blow response time remain identical across all substitutes.

Q: Are there temperature operating range differences between substitutes?

A: Yes. The original BK/GMC-100MA does not specify an operating temperature range. Littelfuse parts operate from -25°C to 70°C. OptiFuse MSC-100MA operates from -55°C to 125°C. For applications requiring extended temperature operation, MSC-100MA is the appropriate selection.

Q: What certifications should I verify for my application?

A: The original BK/GMC-100MA carries CSA, KC-MARK, and UL certifications. Eaton GMC substitutes maintain these certifications. Littelfuse parts carry cULus certification. OptiFuse MSC-100MA carries cULus and UL 248 certifications. Verify that the selected substitute meets your application's specific certification requirements.

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