Equivalent & Substitute Parts for BK/MDA-V-20

Part Overview

The BK/MDA-V-20 is a 20 A ceramic cartridge fuse rated for 250 V AC and 125 V DC operation, manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division. This component is classified as obsolete, with 1034 pieces currently in stock. The fuse features slow-blow response characteristics and is housed in a 3AB/3AG form factor measuring 0.266" diameter by 1.292" length.

Due to the obsolete product status of BK/MDA-V-20, equivalent substitute parts with active product status are available. These alternatives maintain identical electrical and mechanical specifications while offering improved availability and compliance with current regulatory standards.

Substiute Parts

BK/MDA-V-20

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1094BK/MDA-V-20 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

BK/MDA-V-20-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1971BK/MDA-V-20-R Datasheet

DirectRFQ

MDA-V-20-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 940MDA-V-20-R Datasheet

DirectRFQ

TR/MDA-V-20-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1063TR/MDA-V-20-R Datasheet

DirectRFQ

BK/MDA-BV-20-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1125BK/MDA-BV-20-R Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of BK/MDA-V-20 is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Electrical Specifications:

• Current Rating: 20 A (exact match required)
• Voltage Rating - AC: 250 V (exact match required)
• Voltage Rating - DC: 125 V (exact match required)
• Breaking Capacity: 1.5 kA AC, 10 kA DC (exact match required)

Mechanical Specifications:

• Fuse Type: Cartridge, Ceramic (exact match required)
• Response Time: Slow Blow (exact match required)
• Package / Case: 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4" (Axial) (exact match required)
• Mounting Type: Through Hole (exact match required)
• Physical Dimensions: 0.266" Dia x 1.292" L (exact match required)

All substitute parts listed maintain 100% compliance with these parameters. Substitution is further supported by identical ECCN (EAR99) and HTSUS (8536.10.0040) classifications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Substitutes (Recommended for New Designs and Replacements):

BK/MDA-V-20-R, MDA-V-20-R, and TR/MDA-V-20-R are the preferred substitutes for BK/MDA-V-20. All three parts carry active product status and are ROHS3 compliant, addressing regulatory requirements for new applications. These parts feature expanded approval agency certifications (CE, CSA, UL) compared to the obsolete main part.

Selection by Packaging Format:

• Bulk Packaging: BK/MDA-V-20-R or MDA-V-20-R for standard component procurement
• Tape & Reel Packaging: TR/MDA-V-20-R for automated assembly processes

Secondary Substitute (Parametric Equivalent):

BK/MDA-BV-20-R maintains full electrical and mechanical equivalence with identical current, voltage, and breaking capacity ratings. This part carries CSA and UR certifications and is ROHS3 compliant. Selection of this part is appropriate when specific approval agency requirements align with CSA/UR standards.

Compliance Considerations:

All substitute parts exceed the regulatory compliance profile of the obsolete BK/MDA-V-20. The transition from RoHS non-compliant to ROHS3 compliant status ensures compatibility with current environmental and safety directives across global markets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BK/MDA-V-20-R be used as a direct replacement for BK/MDA-V-20?

A: Yes. BK/MDA-V-20-R is a direct substitute with identical electrical ratings (20 A, 250 V AC, 125 V DC), mechanical form factor (3AB/3AG, 0.266" x 1.292"), and breaking capacity (1.5 kA AC, 10 kA DC). The primary differences are active product status and ROHS3 compliance.

Q: What is the difference between BK/MDA-V-20-R, MDA-V-20-R, and TR/MDA-V-20-R?

A: These three parts are electrically and mechanically identical. The differences are packaging format and part number designation. BK/MDA-V-20-R and MDA-V-20-R are supplied in bulk packaging, while TR/MDA-V-20-R is supplied in tape and reel format for automated assembly. Selection depends on procurement and assembly requirements.

Q: Is BK/MDA-BV-20-R compatible with applications designed for BK/MDA-V-20?

A: Yes. BK/MDA-BV-20-R maintains full parametric equivalence across all critical electrical and mechanical specifications. The part number variation reflects internal Eaton designation differences but does not affect functional compatibility.

Q: What are the approval agency differences between the main part and substitutes?

A: BK/MDA-V-20 carries CSA and UL certifications. Substitute parts BK/MDA-V-20-R, MDA-V-20-R, and TR/MDA-V-20-R carry CE, CSA, and UL certifications, providing broader regulatory coverage. BK/MDA-BV-20-R carries CSA and UR certifications. All certifications support the specified electrical ratings and breaking capacity.

Q: Are there any performance differences in melting I²t or DC cold resistance?

A: The main part BK/MDA-V-20 has a melting I²t of 439.5 and DC cold resistance of 0.00358 Ohms. All substitute parts have a melting I²t of 483.45 and DC cold resistance of 0.004 Ohms. These minor variations remain within the operational envelope for 20 A slow-blow ceramic cartridge fuses and do not affect circuit protection performance for the specified ratings.

Q: Which substitute should be selected for new product designs?

A: For new designs, BK/MDA-V-20-R, MDA-V-20-R, or TR/MDA-V-20-R are recommended. All three parts have active product status, ROHS3 compliance, and expanded certifications (CE, CSA, UL). Selection between these three depends on packaging requirements: bulk for standard procurement or tape & reel for automated assembly.

Q: Is the obsolete BK/MDA-V-20 still available for legacy system repairs?

A: Yes. 1034 pieces of BK/MDA-V-20 are currently in stock. However, for new procurement or long-term availability, transition to an active substitute part is recommended to ensure supply continuity and regulatory compliance.