Equivalent & Substitute Parts for BK/MDA-1-6/10 Ceramic Fuse Cartridge

Part Overview

The BK/MDA-1-6/10 is a 1.6 A, 250 V AC ceramic fuse cartridge manufactured by Eaton Electronics Division. This component is classified as obsolete product status. The fuse operates as a slow-blow cartridge type, designed for 3AB and 3AG holder compatibility with dimensions of 0.250" diameter by 1.250" length (6.35mm x 31.75mm).

Due to obsolete product status, equivalent and substitute parts from active manufacturers are necessary to maintain system functionality and ensure continued availability for replacement and new designs. Substitute components must maintain electrical compatibility across current rating, voltage rating, response time characteristics, and mechanical form factor specifications.

Substiute Parts

BK/MDA-1-6/10

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1040BK/MDA-1-6/10 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

BK/MDA-1-6/10-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 902BK/MDA-1-6/10-R Datasheet

DirectRFQ

MDA-1-6/10-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 978MDA-1-6/10-R Datasheet

DirectRFQ

0001.2526

SCHURTER Inc.In Stock: 15500001.2526 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

032601.6HXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1044032601.6HXP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

032601.6MXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1051032601.6MXP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

032601.6VXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 956032601.6VXP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution logic for the BK/MDA-1-6/10 is based on the following mandatory electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

• Current Rating: 1.6 A (exact match required)
• Voltage Rating - AC: 250 V (exact match required)
• Response Time: Slow Blow (exact match required)
• Package / Case: 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4" (exact match required)
• Mounting Type: Requires Holder (exact match required)
• Size / Dimension: 0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (exact match required)

Secondary Compatibility Criteria:

• Fuse Type: Cartridge construction (ceramic or glass acceptable based on voltage rating compatibility)
• Voltage Rating - DC: May exceed AC rating without affecting AC circuit operation

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Category 1 - Direct Eaton Equivalents (Active Status): Parts BK/MDA-1-6/10-R and MDA-1-6/10-R maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications to the main part while offering active product status and enhanced compliance certifications.

Category 2 - Cross-Manufacturer Alternatives: Parts from Littelfuse Inc. (032601.6HXP, 032601.6MXP, 032601.6VXP) and SCHURTER Inc. (0001.2526) meet all primary compatibility criteria. These alternatives provide active product status and extended operating temperature ranges or enhanced breaking capacity specifications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Preferred):

Select BK/MDA-1-6/10-R or MDA-1-6/10-R when direct Eaton equivalents are required. Both parts maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications to the obsolete BK/MDA-1-6/10 while offering active product status. BK/MDA-1-6/10-R and MDA-1-6/10-R provide enhanced compliance certifications including CE marking in addition to CSA and UL approvals. Both parts are ROHS3 compliant, addressing environmental regulatory requirements absent in the original part.

For Cross-Manufacturer Substitution:

Littelfuse 032601.6HXP, 032601.6MXP, and 032601.6VXP ceramic fuse cartridges are suitable substitutes when cross-manufacturer sourcing is acceptable. These parts meet all primary electrical and mechanical compatibility criteria. The Littelfuse series offers extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 125°C) compared to the original specification, enhanced breaking capacity (100A AC, 10kA DC), and comprehensive approval certifications (CE, CSA, PSE, UL). ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity level (MSL 1) provide additional environmental and handling advantages.

SCHURTER 0001.2526 is a glass fuse cartridge alternative that meets all primary compatibility criteria. This part differs in fuse construction material (glass versus ceramic) and offers a lower DC voltage rating (63 V DC). The SCHURTER part provides cURus certification, ROHS3 compliance, and defined operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C). Glass construction may be selected when specific circuit requirements favor glass fuse characteristics over ceramic construction.

Compliance Considerations:

All substitute parts provide ROHS3 compliance, addressing regulatory requirements for new designs and replacement applications. The original BK/MDA-1-6/10 is RoHS non-compliant and should be replaced with compliant alternatives in applications subject to environmental regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BK/MDA-1-6/10-R and MDA-1-6/10-R be used interchangeably with BK/MDA-1-6/10?

A: Yes. Both parts maintain identical electrical specifications (1.6 A, 250 V AC, slow-blow response) and mechanical form factor (0.250" Dia x 1.250" L, 3AB/3AG holder compatibility). The primary difference is product status (active versus obsolete) and enhanced compliance certifications. Both are direct replacements.

Q: What is the difference between ceramic and glass fuse cartridges in this application?

A: Both ceramic (BK/MDA-1-6/10, BK/MDA-1-6/10-R, MDA-1-6/10-R, Littelfuse 326 series) and glass (SCHURTER 0001.2526) constructions meet the 1.6 A, 250 V AC, slow-blow specification. Ceramic fuses typically offer higher DC voltage ratings (125 V DC for Littelfuse versus 63 V DC for SCHURTER glass). Glass fuses provide visual indication of fuse status. Selection depends on circuit voltage requirements and operational visibility needs.

Q: Are Littelfuse 032601.6HXP, 032601.6MXP, and 032601.6VXP electrically identical?

A: Yes. All three Littelfuse parts (032601.6HXP, 032601.6MXP, 032601.6VXP) share identical electrical specifications: 1.6 A, 250 V AC, 125 V DC, slow-blow response, 100A AC / 10kA DC breaking capacity, and 45 melting I²t. Mechanical dimensions and holder compatibility are identical (0.250" Dia x 1.250" L, 3AB/3AG). These parts are functionally equivalent and interchangeable.

Q: Does the higher melting I²t value of Littelfuse parts affect compatibility?

A: No. Melting I²t is a thermal characteristic that defines fuse response time under specific current conditions. The Littelfuse series (45 I²t) and Eaton MDA series (4.6 I²t) both operate as slow-blow fuses at the 1.6 A rating. The higher I²t value in Littelfuse parts indicates slightly different thermal response characteristics but does not prevent substitution in circuits designed for 1.6 A slow-blow protection.

Q: What is the significance of the DC voltage rating difference between substitutes?

A: DC voltage rating indicates the maximum safe DC voltage the fuse can interrupt. Littelfuse parts (125 V DC) provide higher DC capability than SCHURTER (63 V DC) and the original Eaton part (unspecified). For AC-only circuits, DC voltage rating is not a limiting factor. For circuits with DC components or mixed AC/DC operation, select a substitute with DC rating equal to or exceeding circuit requirements.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed (BK/MDA-1-6/10-R, MDA-1-6/10-R, 032601.6HXP, 032601.6MXP, 032601.6VXP, 0001.2526) are ROHS3 compliant. The original BK/MDA-1-6/10 is RoHS non-compliant. For applications subject to environmental regulations or new equipment designs, select ROHS3-compliant alternatives.

Q: Can substitute parts be used in existing equipment designed for BK/MDA-1-6/10?

A: Yes. All substitute parts maintain identical mechanical form factor (0.250" Dia x 1.250" L) and holder compatibility (3AB, 3AG). Physical installation in existing fuse holders is identical. Electrical operation at 1.6 A, 250 V AC, slow-blow response is maintained across all substitutes. No equipment modification is required.

Q: What approval certifications should be considered for new designs?

A: For new designs, select parts with comprehensive approval certifications. Littelfuse 326 series parts (032601.6HXP, 032601.6MXP, 032601.6VXP) offer the broadest certification coverage: CE, CSA, PSE, and UL. Eaton MDA-1-6/10-R variants provide CE, CSA, and UL certifications. SCHURTER 0001.2526 provides cURus certification. Certification selection depends on target markets and regulatory requirements.