Equivalent & Substitute Parts for BK/MDA-2 Ceramic Fuse Cartridge

Part Overview

The BK/MDA-2 is a 2 A, 250 V AC ceramic fuse cartridge manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division. This component is classified as obsolete product status. The part requires a 3AB or 3AG fuse holder and is designed for slow-blow response applications with a breaking capacity of 100 A at rated voltage. Due to its obsolete classification, equivalent and substitute parts from active product lines are necessary to maintain system functionality and ensure continued availability for replacement and new designs.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Current Rating	2 A
Voltage Rating - AC	250 V
Fuse Type	Cartridge, Ceramic
Response Time	Slow Blow
Package / Case	3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	100 A
Size / Dimension	0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (6.35mm x 31.75mm)
Mounting Type	Requires Holder

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the BK/MDA-2 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

Current Rating: 2 A (exact match required)
Voltage Rating - AC: 250 V (exact match required)
Package / Case: 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4" (exact match required)
Response Time: Slow Blow (exact match required)
Mounting Type: Requires Holder (exact match required)

Secondary Compatibility Criteria:

Fuse Type: Cartridge format (ceramic or glass acceptable)
Size / Dimension: 0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (exact match required)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on fuse material composition:

Group 1: Ceramic Fuse Cartridges (Direct Material Match)

BK/MDA-2-R (Eaton - Electronics Division)
MDA-2-R (Eaton - Electronics Division)
0326002.HXP (Littelfuse Inc.)
0326002.MXP (Littelfuse Inc.)
0326002.VXP (Littelfuse Inc.)

Group 2: Glass Fuse Cartridge (Alternative Material)

0001.2527 (SCHURTER Inc.)

All substitute parts maintain identical current rating, AC voltage rating, package dimensions, and slow-blow response characteristics. Differences exist in DC voltage ratings, melting I²t values, breaking capacity specifications, and regulatory approvals, which are detailed in the parameter comparison table.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	BK/MDA-2	BK/MDA-2-R	MDA-2-R	0001.2527	0326002.HXP	0326002.MXP	0326002.VXP
Manufacturer	Eaton	Eaton	Eaton	SCHURTER	Littelfuse	Littelfuse	Littelfuse
Current Rating (Amps)	2 A	2 A	2 A	2 A	2 A	2 A	2 A
Voltage Rating - AC	250 V	250 V	250 V	250 V	250 V	250 V	250 V
Voltage Rating - DC	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	63 V	125 V	125 V	125 V
Fuse Type	Cartridge, Ceramic	Cartridge, Ceramic	Cartridge, Ceramic	Cartridge, Glass	Cartridge, Ceramic	Cartridge, Ceramic	Cartridge, Ceramic
Response Time	Slow Blow	Slow Blow	Slow Blow	Slow Blow	Slow Blow	Slow Blow	Slow Blow
Package / Case	3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"	3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"	3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"	3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"	3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"	3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"	3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	100 A	100 A	100 A	1.5 kA AC, 20 kA DC	100 A AC, 10 kA DC	100 A AC, 10 kA DC	100 A AC, 10 kA DC
Melting I²t	64	8.8	8.8	13	80	80	80
Size / Dimension	0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (6.35mm x 31.75mm)	0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (6.35mm x 31.75mm)	0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (6.35mm x 31.75mm)	0.250" Dia x 1.252" L (6.35mm x 31.80mm)	0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (6.35mm x 31.75mm)	0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (6.35mm x 31.75mm)	0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (6.35mm x 31.75mm)
DC Cold Resistance	0.1645 Ohms	0.12 Ohms	0.12 Ohms	Not specified	0.121 Ohms	0.121 Ohms	0.121 Ohms
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Approval Agency	CSA, UL	CE, CSA, UL	CE, CSA, UL	cURus	CE, CSA, PSE, UL	CE, CSA, PSE, UL	CE, CSA, PSE, UL
Operating Temperature	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	-40°C ~ 85°C	-55°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 125°C

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: Eaton MDA-2-R or BK/MDA-2-R

The MDA-2-R and BK/MDA-2-R are direct manufacturer equivalents from Eaton - Electronics Division, the original manufacturer of the BK/MDA-2. Both parts maintain identical electrical specifications for current rating, AC voltage rating, response time, and package dimensions. Both are active products with ROHS3 compliance and expanded regulatory approvals (CE, CSA, UL). The MDA-2-R and BK/MDA-2-R are functionally interchangeable with the obsolete BK/MDA-2 for AC applications at 250 V and 2 A.

Secondary Recommendation: Littelfuse 0326002 Series (HXP, MXP, VXP)

The Littelfuse 0326002.HXP, 0326002.MXP, and 0326002.VXP ceramic fuse cartridges are functionally equivalent substitutes. These parts maintain identical current rating, AC voltage rating, response time, and package dimensions. All three variants are active products with ROHS3 compliance and comprehensive regulatory approvals (CE, CSA, PSE, UL). The Littelfuse parts provide enhanced DC voltage rating (125 V DC versus unspecified for the original), higher breaking capacity for DC applications (10 kA DC), and extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 125°C). These characteristics make the Littelfuse parts suitable for applications requiring broader voltage and temperature specifications.

Alternative Recommendation: SCHURTER 0001.2527

The SCHURTER 0001.2527 is a glass fuse cartridge that meets all primary compatibility criteria: 2 A current rating, 250 V AC voltage rating, slow-blow response, and 3AB/3AG package dimensions. This part is an active product with ROHS3 compliance and cURus approval. The glass construction differs from the ceramic material of the original part. The SCHURTER part provides higher breaking capacity (1.5 kA AC, 20 kA DC) and specified DC voltage rating (63 V DC). The glass fuse cartridge is suitable for applications where material substitution is acceptable and enhanced breaking capacity is beneficial.

Compliance Considerations

The original BK/MDA-2 is RoHS non-compliant. All substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements. The Eaton MDA-2-R and BK/MDA-2-R provide the most direct compliance path with identical manufacturer heritage. The Littelfuse and SCHURTER alternatives provide equivalent compliance with additional regulatory certifications (PSE for Littelfuse; cURus for SCHURTER).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the BK/MDA-2 be directly replaced with MDA-2-R or BK/MDA-2-R?

A: Yes. The MDA-2-R and BK/MDA-2-R are direct equivalents from the same manufacturer (Eaton - Electronics Division). Both parts share identical current rating (2 A), AC voltage rating (250 V), response time (slow-blow), and package dimensions (3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"). Both are active products with ROHS3 compliance. Physical and electrical compatibility is confirmed.

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

A: Both ceramic and glass fuse cartridges in the 3AB/3AG package format are designed for the same holder and mounting configuration. The primary differences are material composition and breaking capacity specifications. Ceramic fuses (BK/MDA-2, MDA-2-R, Littelfuse 0326002 series) provide breaking capacity of 100 A AC. The glass fuse (SCHURTER 0001.2527) provides higher breaking capacity of 1.5 kA AC and 20 kA DC. Material selection depends on application requirements and system design specifications.

Q: Are the Littelfuse 0326002.HXP, 0326002.MXP, and 0326002.VXP parts interchangeable?

A: Yes. All three Littelfuse variants (0326002.HXP, 0326002.MXP, 0326002.VXP) share identical electrical specifications: 2 A current rating, 250 V AC voltage rating, 125 V DC voltage rating, slow-blow response, and 3AB/3AG package dimensions. All three are active products with ROHS3 compliance and identical regulatory approvals (CE, CSA, PSE, UL). The parts are functionally interchangeable.

Q: What is the significance of the melting I²t parameter in fuse selection?

A: The melting I²t value indicates the thermal energy required to melt the fuse element. The BK/MDA-2 specifies melting I²t of 64, while the Eaton MDA-2-R specifies 8.8, and the Littelfuse parts specify 80. These differences reflect variations in fuse element design and material composition. Selection of a substitute part with different melting I²t requires confirmation that the application circuit protection characteristics remain appropriate for the intended system.

Q: Can the BK/MDA-2 be used in DC applications?

A: The BK/MDA-2 specifies 250 V AC rating with no DC voltage rating provided. For DC applications, substitute parts with specified DC voltage ratings are required. The Littelfuse 0326002 series specifies 125 V DC, and the SCHURTER 0001.2527 specifies 63 V DC. Selection of a DC-rated substitute depends on the system DC voltage requirement.

Q: What is the impact of RoHS compliance on part selection?

A: The original BK/MDA-2 is RoHS non-compliant. All substitute parts (Eaton MDA-2-R, BK/MDA-2-R, Littelfuse 0326002 series, and SCHURTER 0001.2527) are ROHS3 compliant. For new designs and systems subject to RoHS regulations, substitute parts are required. For legacy system maintenance where RoHS compliance is not mandated, the original part remains functionally acceptable if available inventory exists.

Q: Are there inventory considerations for part selection?

A: Current inventory levels are: BK/MDA-2 (800 pcs), BK/MDA-2-R (817 pcs), MDA-2-R (833 pcs), 0001.2527 (1691 pcs), 0326002.HXP (1117 pcs), 0326002.MXP (1250 pcs), and 0326002.VXP (1057 pcs). All substitute parts are available in active inventory. Selection based on inventory availability is supported for all substitute options.

Q: What regulatory approvals are required for this fuse cartridge?

A: The original BK/MDA-2 carries CSA and UL approvals. Substitute parts carry expanded approvals: Eaton MDA-2-R and BK/MDA-2-R (CE, CSA, UL); Littelfuse 0326002 series (CE, CSA, PSE, UL); SCHURTER 0001.2527 (cURus). Selection of a substitute part with required regulatory approvals for the target market is necessary. PSE approval (Littelfuse parts) is required for Japanese market applications. cURus approval (SCHURTER part) provides combined Canadian and U.S. certification.

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