BK/MDA-2-1/2 Ceramic Fuse Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BK/MDA-2-1/2 is a 2.5 A, 250 V AC ceramic cartridge fuse manufactured by Eaton Electronics Division. This component is classified as obsolete product status. The fuse requires a 3AB or 3AG holder and is designed for slow-blow response applications. Due to its obsolete classification, equivalent and substitute parts from active manufacturers are necessary to maintain system functionality and ensure continued availability for replacement and new designs.

Substiute Parts

BK/MDA-2-1/2

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 918BK/MDA-2-1/2 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

BK/MDA-2-1/2-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1067BK/MDA-2-1/2-R Datasheet

DirectRFQ

MDA-2-1/2-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 902MDA-2-1/2-R Datasheet

DirectRFQ

0001.2528

SCHURTER Inc.In Stock: 8420001.2528 Datasheet

DirectRFQ

032602.5HXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1174032602.5HXP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

032602.5MXCCP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1122032602.5MXCCP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

032602.5MXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1194032602.5MXP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

032602.5VXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1074032602.5VXP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the BK/MDA-2-1/2 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Primary Substitution Criteria:

• Current Rating: 2.5 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)
• Fuse Type: Cartridge, Ceramic (exact match required)
• Response Time: Slow Blow (exact match required)
• Mounting Type: Requires Holder (exact match required)

Direct Equivalents (Active Status): Parts BK/MDA-2-1/2-R and MDA-2-1/2-R are direct manufacturer equivalents from Eaton Electronics Division with active product status. These parts maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications to the obsolete BK/MDA-2-1/2.

Cross-Manufacturer Substitutes (Active Status): Littelfuse Inc. Series 326 ceramic fuses (032602.5HXP, 032602.5MXCCP, 032602.5MXP, 032602.5VXP) meet all primary substitution criteria. These parts are active products with enhanced DC voltage ratings (125 V DC) and extended operating temperature ranges (-55°C to 125°C), providing superior performance characteristics while maintaining full AC compatibility at 250 V and 2.5 A.

Alternative Material Substitute (Active Status): SCHURTER Inc. part 0001.2528 is a glass cartridge fuse that meets the current, AC voltage, package, and response time criteria. This part differs in fuse material (glass versus ceramic) and includes DC voltage rating (63 V DC). Selection of this alternative requires confirmation that glass fuse material is acceptable for the application.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Eaton Ecosystem): BK/MDA-2-1/2-R and MDA-2-1/2-R are the primary recommended substitutes. Both parts are active products from Eaton Electronics Division with identical electrical and mechanical specifications. These parts provide seamless compatibility with existing 3AB/3AG holder installations. Both are ROHS3 compliant and carry expanded approval certifications (CE, CSA, UL) compared to the obsolete BK/MDA-2-1/2.

For Cross-Manufacturer Substitution (Littelfuse): The Littelfuse Series 326 ceramic fuses (032602.5HXP, 032602.5MXP, 032602.5VXP, 032602.5MXCCP) are active products that satisfy all primary substitution criteria. These parts offer enhanced specifications including DC voltage rating (125 V), extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 125°C), and comprehensive international approvals (CE, CSA, K-MARK, PSE, UL). Selection among these four Littelfuse variants depends on specific approval requirements for the target application.

For Alternative Material Substitution (SCHURTER): Part 0001.2528 is a glass cartridge fuse that meets current, AC voltage, package, and response time requirements. This part is suitable only when glass fuse material is acceptable for the application. The glass construction provides higher breaking capacity (1.5 kA AC, 20 kA DC) and includes DC voltage rating (63 V). Operating temperature range is -40°C to 85°C with cURus approval.

Compliance Considerations: All recommended substitutes are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, addressing modern regulatory requirements. The obsolete BK/MDA-2-1/2 is RoHS non-compliant; substitution with active products ensures compliance with current environmental standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BK/MDA-2-1/2-R be used as a direct replacement for BK/MDA-2-1/2?

A: Yes. BK/MDA-2-1/2-R is a direct equivalent from Eaton Electronics Division with identical current rating (2.5 A), AC voltage rating (250 V), fuse type (ceramic cartridge), response time (slow blow), and package specifications (3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"). The primary difference is product status: BK/MDA-2-1/2-R is active while BK/MDA-2-1/2 is obsolete.

Q: What is the difference between Eaton MDA-2-1/2-R and BK/MDA-2-1/2-R?

A: Both parts are Eaton ceramic fuses with identical electrical and mechanical specifications. The designation difference reflects internal Eaton part numbering conventions. Both are active products suitable for direct substitution of the obsolete BK/MDA-2-1/2.

Q: Can Littelfuse 032602.5HXP replace BK/MDA-2-1/2?

A: Yes, with enhanced capabilities. The 032602.5HXP meets all primary substitution criteria: 2.5 A current rating, 250 V AC voltage rating, ceramic cartridge fuse type, slow-blow response, and 3AB/3AG package. Additional benefits include 125 V DC rating, extended operating temperature (-55°C to 125°C), and broader international approvals (CE, CSA, K-MARK, PSE, UL).

Q: Are there differences among the Littelfuse Series 326 variants (032602.5HXP, 032602.5MXP, 032602.5VXP, 032602.5MXCCP)?

A: All four Littelfuse variants meet identical electrical and mechanical substitution criteria for the BK/MDA-2-1/2. Differences exist in approval agency certifications: 032602.5HXP and 032602.5MXP include K-MARK approval; 032602.5VXP and 032602.5MXCCP include KC approval. Selection depends on specific regulatory requirements for the target market or application.

Q: Can SCHURTER 0001.2528 be used instead of BK/MDA-2-1/2?

A: SCHURTER 0001.2528 meets current (2.5 A), AC voltage (250 V), package (3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"), and response time (slow blow) requirements. The primary difference is fuse material: 0001.2528 is glass while BK/MDA-2-1/2 is ceramic. This substitution is valid only when glass fuse material is acceptable for the application. The glass construction provides higher breaking capacity (1.5 kA AC, 20 kA DC) and includes 63 V DC rating.

Q: What does "Requires Holder" mean for these fuses?

A: All listed fuses are cartridge-type components that require installation in a separate fuse holder. The holder must be rated for 3AB or 3AG cartridge fuses with 1/4" diameter and 1-1/4" length dimensions. The fuse itself does not mount directly to a circuit board or panel.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All active substitute parts (BK/MDA-2-1/2-R, MDA-2-1/2-R, Littelfuse Series 326 variants, and SCHURTER 0001.2528) are ROHS3 compliant. The obsolete BK/MDA-2-1/2 is RoHS non-compliant. Substitution with active products ensures compliance with current environmental regulations.

Q: What is the significance of the melting I²t value?

A: Melting I²t indicates the thermal energy required to melt the fuse element. The obsolete BK/MDA-2-1/2 has a melting I²t of 28.9, while active Eaton equivalents (BK/MDA-2-1/2-R, MDA-2-1/2-R) have 7.2. Littelfuse Series 326 parts have 136. SCHURTER 0001.2528 has 18. These differences reflect design variations but do not affect substitution validity when all other electrical and mechanical parameters match.

Q: Which substitute offers the widest operating temperature range?

A: Littelfuse Series 326 ceramic fuses (032602.5HXP, 032602.5MXP, 032602.5VXP, 032602.5MXCCP) offer the widest operating temperature range of -55°C to 125°C. SCHURTER 0001.2528 operates from -40°C to 85°C. Eaton active equivalents do not specify an operating temperature range.