Equivalent & Substitute Parts for BK/MDA-15 Ceramic Fuse Cartridge

Part Overview

The BK/MDA-15 is a 15 A, 250 V AC ceramic fuse cartridge manufactured by Eaton Electronics Division. This component is classified as obsolete, requiring identification of active equivalent alternatives for continued system support. The BK/MDA-15 operates as a slow-blow cartridge fuse in the 3AB/3AG form factor (1/4" x 1-1/4"), designed for applications requiring holder-based mounting. Equivalent and substitute parts must maintain identical electrical ratings, mechanical dimensions, and functional characteristics to ensure direct interchangeability within existing fuse holder assemblies.

Substiute Parts

BK/MDA-15

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 971BK/MDA-15 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

BK/MDA-15-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1361BK/MDA-15-R Datasheet

DirectRFQ

MDA-15-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1212MDA-15-R Datasheet

DirectRFQ

0326015.MXDP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 19510326015.MXDP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

0326015.HXP

LittelfuseIn Stock: 10000326015.HXP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

0326015.MXCCP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 9010326015.MXCCP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

0326015.MXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 224530326015.MXP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

0326015.VXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 8960326015.VXP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BK/MDA-15 is determined by strict adherence to the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Current Rating: 15 A (exact match required)
• Voltage Rating (AC): 250 V (exact match required)
• Fuse Type: Cartridge, Ceramic (exact match required)
• Response Time: Slow Blow (exact match required)
• Package / Case: 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4" (exact match required)
• Size / Dimension: 0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (exact match required)

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

• Mounting Type: Requires Holder (consistent across all substitutes)
• Approval Agencies: CSA and UL certifications present on main part; substitutes maintain or exceed certification coverage

Substitute parts are classified into two categories:

Direct Equivalents (Eaton MDA Series): Parts BK/MDA-15-R and MDA-15-R are active-status alternatives from the same manufacturer and series, offering identical electrical and mechanical specifications with enhanced compliance status (ROHS3 Compliant, CE certification added).

Functional Equivalents (Littelfuse 326 Series): Parts 0326015.MXDP, 0326015.MXP, 0326015.HXP, 0326015.VXP, and 0326015.MXCCP meet all primary substitution criteria. These Littelfuse components maintain 15 A, 250 V AC ratings and identical form factors. Littelfuse parts include DC voltage ratings (60 V or 125 V) not specified on the BK/MDA-15, providing extended application flexibility. All Littelfuse substitutes are active-status products with ROHS3 compliance and expanded international certifications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Preferred):

BK/MDA-15-R and MDA-15-R are the primary recommended substitutes. Both are active-status products from Eaton Electronics Division, maintaining the original manufacturer lineage and identical electrical specifications. These parts provide enhanced compliance through ROHS3 certification and expanded approval agency coverage (addition of CE certification). The BK/MDA-15-R and MDA-15-R are functionally identical with no performance trade-offs relative to the obsolete BK/MDA-15.

For Extended Application Flexibility:

Littelfuse 326 Series components (0326015.MXDP, 0326015.MXP, 0326015.HXP, 0326015.VXP, 0326015.MXCCP) are suitable substitutes where DC voltage ratings provide system advantages. These parts maintain all primary electrical and mechanical specifications while offering:

• Defined DC voltage ratings (60 V or 125 V) for dual-voltage applications
• Expanded international certifications (K-MARK, PSE, KC in addition to CE, CSA, UL)
• Specified operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 125°C)
• ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status

Selection between 60 V DC (0326015.MXDP, 0326015.MXP) and 125 V DC (0326015.HXP, 0326015.VXP, 0326015.MXCCP) variants depends on system DC voltage requirements. The 0326015.VXP and 0326015.MXCCP offer the highest breaking capacity at 600 A DC, suitable for demanding applications.

Compliance Consideration:

All substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant, addressing the non-compliant status of the obsolete BK/MDA-15. This compliance upgrade is mandatory for new system designs and recommended for legacy system updates where regulatory requirements apply.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BK/MDA-15-R and MDA-15-R be used interchangeably with BK/MDA-15?

A: Yes. Both parts are direct equivalents with identical current rating (15 A), AC voltage rating (250 V), fuse type (ceramic cartridge), response time (slow blow), and form factor (3AB/3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"). The primary differences are product status (active vs. obsolete) and enhanced compliance certifications.

Q: What is the difference between Eaton MDA-15-R variants and Littelfuse 326 Series substitutes?

A: Eaton MDA-15-R variants (BK/MDA-15-R and MDA-15-R) are direct manufacturer equivalents with identical specifications. Littelfuse 326 Series parts meet all primary electrical and mechanical requirements but originate from a different manufacturer. Littelfuse parts include specified DC voltage ratings and operating temperature ranges not documented on the Eaton parts. Selection depends on whether DC voltage capability and temperature specifications are required for the application.

Q: Are all substitute parts compatible with existing 3AB/3AG fuse holders?

A: Yes. All substitute parts maintain the 3AB/3AG form factor with dimensions of 0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (6.35mm x 31.75mm). Physical compatibility with existing holder assemblies is guaranteed.

Q: What is the significance of the DC voltage ratings on Littelfuse parts?

A: Littelfuse 326 Series components specify DC voltage ratings (60 V or 125 V) that are not documented on the BK/MDA-15 or Eaton MDA-15-R variants. These ratings indicate the fuse's capability to interrupt DC circuits at the specified voltage. For AC-only applications, this parameter is not relevant. For dual AC/DC systems, the DC rating must not be exceeded.

Q: Which substitute offers the highest breaking capacity?

A: The 0326015.VXP and 0326015.MXCCP offer the highest breaking capacity at 400 A AC and 600 A DC. The Eaton MDA-15-R variants provide 750 A breaking capacity at rated voltage. Selection depends on system fault current requirements.

Q: Are all substitutes RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed are ROHS3 compliant. The original BK/MDA-15 is RoHS non-compliant. Substitution addresses this compliance gap for systems subject to RoHS regulations.

Q: What certifications do the substitute parts carry?

A: Eaton MDA-15-R variants carry CE, CSA, and UL certifications. Littelfuse 326 Series parts carry CE, CSA, and UL certifications as standard, with additional certifications including K-MARK, PSE, and KC depending on the specific part number. All parts meet or exceed the original CSA and UL certifications of the BK/MDA-15.

Q: Can I use a 60 V DC rated fuse in a 125 V DC application?

A: No. The DC voltage rating must not be exceeded. A 60 V DC rated fuse (0326015.MXDP or 0326015.MXP) cannot be used in a 125 V DC circuit. Select the appropriate DC voltage rating for your application.

Q: What is the difference between 0326015.MXDP and 0326015.MXP?

A: Both parts are 15 A, 250 V AC, 60 V DC ceramic cartridge fuses with identical electrical specifications and form factor. The primary difference is melting I²t value (760 for 0326015.MXDP vs. 245 for 0326015.MXP), indicating different thermal response characteristics. Both are slow-blow fuses suitable for the BK/MDA-15 application.

Q: Is inventory availability a factor in substitute selection?

A: Inventory levels are provided for reference but do not affect electrical or mechanical compatibility. All listed substitutes are active-status products with documented stock availability. Selection should prioritize electrical and mechanical compatibility first, with inventory status as a secondary logistical consideration.