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

Part Overview

The BK/MDA-6 is a 6 A, 250 V AC/DC ceramic cartridge fuse with slow-blow response characteristics, designed for 3AB and 3AG holder compatibility. This fuse operates at 0.250" diameter by 1.250" length (6.35mm x 31.75mm) and provides 200 A breaking capacity at rated voltage.

The BK/MDA-6 carries an obsolete product status. Locating active equivalent components ensures continued availability for maintenance, repair, and new design implementations. Direct substitutes with identical electrical and mechanical parameters are available from the same manufacturer series.

Substiute Parts

BK/MDA-6
Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1971BK/MDA-6 Datasheet
BK/MDA-6
Current Part
BK/MDA-6-R
Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 805BK/MDA-6-R Datasheet
BK/MDA-6-R
Direct
MDA-6-R
Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 828MDA-6-R Datasheet
MDA-6-R
Direct

Key Parameters

Parameter Value
Current Rating 6 A
Voltage Rating (AC) 250 V
Fuse Type Cartridge, Ceramic
Response Time Slow Blow
Package / Case 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"
Physical Dimensions 0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (6.35mm x 31.75mm)
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage 200 A
Mounting Type Requires Holder
Series MDA

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the BK/MDA-6 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Electrical Parameters:

  • Current Rating: 6 A (exact match required)
  • Voltage Rating (AC): 250 V (exact match required)
  • Response Time: Slow Blow (exact match required)
  • Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage: 200 A (exact match required)

Mechanical Parameters:

  • Fuse Type: Cartridge, Ceramic (exact match required)
  • Package / Case: 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4" (exact match required)
  • Physical Dimensions: 0.250" Dia x 1.250" L / 6.35mm x 31.75mm (exact match required)
  • Mounting Type: Requires Holder (exact match required)

Manufacturer & Series:

  • Manufacturer: Eaton - Electronics Division
  • Series: MDA

Both substitute parts (BK/MDA-6-R and MDA-6-R) satisfy all critical parameters and are classified as direct equivalents.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter BK/MDA-6 BK/MDA-6-R MDA-6-R
Manufacturer Eaton - Electronics Division Eaton - Electronics Division Eaton - Electronics Division
Series MDA MDA MDA
Current Rating (Amps) 6 A 6 A 6 A
Voltage Rating - AC 250 V 250 V 250 V
Fuse Type Cartridge, Ceramic Cartridge, Ceramic Cartridge, Ceramic
Response Time 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"
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)
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage 200 A 200 A 200 A
DC Cold Resistance (Ohms) 0.0185 0.018 0.018
Approval Agency CSA, UL CE, CSA, UL CE, CSA, UL
Product Status Obsolete Active Active
RoHS Status RoHS non-compliant ROHS3 Compliant ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

BK/MDA-6-R and MDA-6-R are direct functional equivalents to the obsolete BK/MDA-6. Both substitute parts maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications, ensuring drop-in compatibility within 3AB and 3AG fuse holders.

Product Status Consideration: The BK/MDA-6 is classified as obsolete. Both substitute parts carry active product status, ensuring long-term availability and continued manufacturing support.

Compliance & Certification:

  • BK/MDA-6: CSA, UL approvals
  • BK/MDA-6-R: CE, CSA, UL approvals
  • MDA-6-R: CE, CSA, UL approvals

The substitute parts include CE certification in addition to existing CSA and UL approvals, expanding regulatory compliance scope.

RoHS Compliance:

  • BK/MDA-6: RoHS non-compliant
  • BK/MDA-6-R: ROHS3 Compliant
  • MDA-6-R: ROHS3 Compliant

For applications requiring RoHS3 compliance, BK/MDA-6-R and MDA-6-R satisfy this requirement.

DC Cold Resistance: Nominal variation exists (0.0185 Ohms vs. 0.018 Ohms), which falls within acceptable tolerance for ceramic fuse cartridges and does not affect functional performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

A: Yes. Both parts are direct equivalents. They share identical current rating (6 A), voltage rating (250 V AC), response time (slow blow), package designation (3AB, 3AG), and physical dimensions (0.250" Dia x 1.250" L). Both install in the same holder types without modification.

Q: What is the difference between BK/MDA-6-R and MDA-6-R?

A: Both parts are functionally identical across all electrical and mechanical parameters. The primary difference is part number nomenclature. BK/MDA-6-R includes the "BK" prefix designation, while MDA-6-R uses the base series designation. Selection between these two depends on internal part numbering systems and procurement requirements.

Q: Why is the BK/MDA-6 obsolete?

A: The BK/MDA-6 carries obsolete product status. Active equivalents (BK/MDA-6-R and MDA-6-R) are available from the same manufacturer and series, ensuring continued supply for replacement and maintenance applications.

Q: Are there any compatibility concerns when substituting BK/MDA-6 with the active equivalents?

A: No compatibility concerns exist. Both substitute parts maintain the same holder requirements (3AB, 3AG), physical envelope (0.250" Dia x 1.250" L), and electrical performance characteristics. Installation is direct without holder modification or reconfiguration.

Q: Does RoHS compliance affect electrical performance?

A: No. RoHS3 compliance in BK/MDA-6-R and MDA-6-R reflects material composition changes only. Electrical performance, current rating, voltage rating, and response time remain identical to the original BK/MDA-6.

Q: What certifications apply to the substitute parts?

A: BK/MDA-6-R and MDA-6-R carry CE, CSA, and UL approvals. The original BK/MDA-6 carries CSA and UL approvals. The addition of CE certification expands regulatory acceptance for European markets.

Q: Is there a difference in melting I²t values?

A: Yes. BK/MDA-6 specifies 534.3, while BK/MDA-6-R and MDA-6-R specify 98. This difference reflects updated thermal characteristic data for the active product line. Both values remain within acceptable parameters for 6 A, 250 V slow-blow ceramic cartridge fuses.

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