BK/MDA-8 Ceramic Fuse Cartridge Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The BK/MDA-8 is an 8 A, 250 V AC ceramic fuse cartridge manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division. This component is classified as obsolete and requires a compatible fuse holder (3AB, 3AG format). Due to its obsolete product status, direct replacement with active production alternatives is necessary for new designs and ongoing maintenance applications. Substitute parts must maintain electrical compatibility across current rating, voltage rating, response time, and physical dimensions while meeting applicable regulatory certifications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Current Rating	8 A
Voltage Rating (AC)	250 V
Fuse Type	Cartridge, Ceramic
Response Time	Slow Blow
Package / Case	3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"
Size / Dimension	0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (6.35mm x 31.75mm)
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	200 A
Mounting Type	Requires Holder

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the BK/MDA-8 is determined by strict equivalence across the following parameters:

Primary Equivalence Criteria:

Current Rating: 8 A (exact match required)
Voltage Rating (AC): 250 V (exact match required)
Response Time: Slow Blow (exact match required)
Physical Dimensions: 0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (exact match required)
Package / Case: 3AB, 3AG format (exact match required)
Fuse Type: Cartridge format (exact match required)
Mounting Type: Requires Holder (exact match required)

Secondary Compatibility Parameters:

Breaking Capacity: Minimum 200 A at rated voltage
Approval Agencies: CSA, UL, or equivalent certifications
RoHS Compliance: ROHS3 Compliant preferred for new applications
DC Voltage Rating: Not a limiting factor for AC-rated applications

All substitute parts listed below satisfy these criteria and are suitable for direct replacement in applications originally designed for the BK/MDA-8.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Current (A)	Voltage AC (V)	Fuse Type	Response Time	Size (Dia x L)	Breaking Capacity	Product Status	RoHS Status
BK/MDA-8	Eaton - Electronics Division	8	250	Ceramic	Slow Blow	0.250" x 1.250"	200 A	Obsolete	Non-compliant
BK/MDA-8-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	8	250	Ceramic	Slow Blow	0.250" x 1.250"	200 A	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MDA-8-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	8	250	Ceramic	Slow Blow	0.250" x 1.250"	200 A	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
0326008.HXP	Littelfuse Inc.	8	250	Ceramic	Slow Blow	0.250" x 1.250"	400 A	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
0326008.MXP	Littelfuse Inc.	8	250	Ceramic	Slow Blow	0.250" x 1.250"	400 A	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
0326008.VXP	Littelfuse Inc.	8	250	Ceramic	Slow Blow	0.250" x 1.250"	400 A	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
0001.2533	SCHURTER Inc.	8	250	Glass	Slow Blow	0.250" x 1.252"	1.5 kA AC	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation - Eaton Active Production Parts:

BK/MDA-8-R and MDA-8-R are direct active production equivalents manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division. Both parts maintain identical electrical specifications to the obsolete BK/MDA-8 while offering ROHS3 compliance and active product status. These parts are preferred for applications requiring continuity with original equipment specifications and manufacturer support.

Secondary Recommendation - Littelfuse Ceramic Alternatives:

0326008.HXP, 0326008.MXP, and 0326008.VXP are ceramic fuse cartridges from Littelfuse Inc. that meet all primary equivalence criteria. These parts feature higher breaking capacity (400 A versus 200 A) and extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 125°C). All three variants are ROHS3 compliant and carry comprehensive international certifications (CE, CSA, K-MARK, PSE, UL). Selection among these three variants depends on specific application requirements and supply chain considerations.

Alternative Option - SCHURTER Glass Fuse:

0001.2533 is a glass fuse cartridge from SCHURTER Inc. that satisfies dimensional and electrical compatibility requirements. This part differs in fuse element material (glass versus ceramic) and includes DC voltage rating (63 V DC). The glass construction and higher breaking capacity (1.5 kA AC, 20 kA DC) make this suitable for applications where glass fuse characteristics are acceptable. Operating temperature range is -40°C to 85°C.

Compliance Considerations:

All substitute parts carry CSA and UL certifications, meeting the approval requirements of the original BK/MDA-8. Littelfuse and SCHURTER parts include additional international certifications (CE, K-MARK, PSE) suitable for global applications. ROHS3 compliance is standard across all active production alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BK/MDA-8-R and MDA-8-R be used interchangeably with BK/MDA-8?

A: Yes. Both parts are manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division and maintain identical electrical and physical specifications to the obsolete BK/MDA-8. The primary difference is product status (active versus obsolete) and RoHS compliance (ROHS3 compliant versus non-compliant).

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

A: The BK/MDA-8 uses ceramic construction, as do the Littelfuse alternatives (0326008.HXP, 0326008.MXP, 0326008.VXP). The SCHURTER 0001.2533 uses glass construction. Both materials are suitable for 8 A, 250 V AC applications. Glass fuses typically offer different thermal characteristics and breaking capacity profiles. Selection depends on application-specific requirements.

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

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed maintain the 3AB, 3AG package format with dimensions of 0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (6.35mm x 31.75mm), ensuring mechanical compatibility with existing fuse holders designed for the BK/MDA-8.

Q: What does "Slow Blow" response time mean?

A: Slow Blow (also called time-delay) fuses tolerate temporary current surges without opening. They are designed to open only during sustained overcurrent conditions. All substitute parts maintain this characteristic, ensuring compatibility with circuits originally protected by the BK/MDA-8.

Q: Why do Littelfuse parts have higher breaking capacity (400 A) than the original BK/MDA-8 (200 A)?

A: Breaking capacity is the maximum current the fuse can safely interrupt at rated voltage. Higher breaking capacity indicates enhanced safety margin and is not a limitation for substitution. The 8 A current rating and response time remain the primary protection parameters.

Q: Is RoHS compliance required for my application?

A: RoHS compliance depends on application jurisdiction and customer requirements. All active production substitutes (Eaton BK/MDA-8-R, MDA-8-R, and all Littelfuse and SCHURTER parts) are ROHS3 compliant. The original BK/MDA-8 is non-compliant. For new designs or regulated applications, ROHS3 compliant alternatives are recommended.

Q: Can I use 0001.2533 (SCHURTER glass fuse) as a direct replacement?

A: 0001.2533 meets all primary electrical and dimensional compatibility criteria. The primary difference is fuse element material (glass versus ceramic) and the inclusion of DC voltage rating (63 V DC). This part is suitable for direct replacement if glass fuse characteristics are acceptable in your application.

Q: What certifications should I verify for my specific application?

A: All substitute parts carry CSA and UL certifications matching the original BK/MDA-8. Littelfuse parts include additional certifications (CE, K-MARK, PSE). SCHURTER 0001.2533 carries cURus certification. Verify that the selected part's certification portfolio meets your application's regulatory requirements.

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