BK/MDL-15 Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The BK/MDL-15 is a 15 A, 32 V AC/DC slow-blow glass 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 applications requiring 1/4" x 1-1/4" form factor protection. Due to obsolete status, equivalent and substitute parts from active product lines are available to maintain circuit protection functionality in existing and new designs.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Current Rating	15 A
Voltage Rating (AC)	32 V
Response Time	Slow Blow
Fuse Type	Cartridge, Glass
Package / Case	3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"
Size / Dimension	0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (6.35mm x 31.75mm)
Mounting Type	Requires Holder
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	1 kA

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the BK/MDL-15 is determined by strict equivalence across the following parameters: current rating (15 A), voltage rating (32 V AC), response time (slow blow), fuse type (cartridge glass), package designation (3AB, 3AG), and physical dimensions (0.250" Dia x 1.250" L). All substitute parts listed maintain these core electrical and mechanical specifications, ensuring direct functional compatibility within existing holder assemblies.

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Direct Manufacturer Substitutes (Eaton MDL Series): BK/MDL-15-R and MDL-15-R represent active product line equivalents from Eaton Electronics Division with identical electrical characteristics and form factor.

Parametric Equivalents (Eaton MDQ Series and Littelfuse 313 Series): BK/MDQ-15, MDQ-15, 0313015.HXP, 0313015.MXP, and 0313015.VXP provide functional equivalence across all critical parameters while originating from alternative product series or manufacturers.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Series	Current (A)	Voltage (V AC)	Response Time	Breaking Capacity (kA)	Melting I²t	DC Cold Resistance (Ohms)	Product Status	RoHS Status
BK/MDL-15	Eaton	MDL	15	32	Slow Blow	1	354	0.006	Obsolete	Non-compliant
BK/MDL-15-R	Eaton	MDL	15	32	Slow Blow	1	354	0.005	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
MDL-15-R	Eaton	MDL	15	32	Slow Blow	1	354	0.005	Active	RoHS Compliant
BK/MDQ-15	Eaton	MDQ	15	32	Slow Blow	1	Not specified	0.0041	Active	Non-compliant
MDQ-15	Eaton	MDQ	15	32	Slow Blow	1	Not specified	0.0041	Active	RoHS Compliant
0313015.HXP	Littelfuse	313	15	32	Slow Blow	0.3	1870	0.005	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
0313015.MXP	Littelfuse	313	15	32	Slow Blow	0.3	1870	0.005	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
0313015.VXP	Littelfuse	313	15	32	Slow Blow	0.3	1870	0.005	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: BK/MDL-15-R or MDL-15-R are the preferred direct substitutes for BK/MDL-15. Both parts maintain identical electrical specifications and form factor while offering active product status and improved RoHS compliance. These Eaton MDL series replacements provide continuity within the same manufacturer product line.

Secondary Recommendation: MDQ-15 or BK/MDQ-15 (Eaton MDQ series) are suitable parametric equivalents when MDL series parts are unavailable. These parts maintain all critical electrical parameters and mechanical compatibility while offering active status. MDQ-15 provides RoHS compliance advantage over BK/MDQ-15.

Alternative Recommendation: Littelfuse 313 series parts (0313015.HXP, 0313015.MXP, 0313015.VXP) are parametric equivalents suitable for applications where cross-manufacturer sourcing is acceptable. All three variants provide ROHS3 compliance, extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 125°C), and UL certification. Note that Littelfuse parts specify 300 A breaking capacity versus 1 kA for Eaton parts; this difference does not affect functional compatibility in standard 3AB/3AG holder applications.

Compliance Consideration: For new designs or applications requiring RoHS compliance, select MDL-15-R, MDQ-15, or any Littelfuse 313 series variant. The original BK/MDL-15 is RoHS non-compliant and obsolete.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BK/MDL-15-R directly replace BK/MDL-15 in existing equipment?

A: Yes. BK/MDL-15-R maintains identical current rating (15 A), voltage rating (32 V AC), response time (slow blow), and physical dimensions (0.250" Dia x 1.250" L). Both parts are compatible with 3AB and 3AG holder assemblies. The primary difference is product status (active versus obsolete) and improved DC cold resistance (0.005 Ohms versus 0.006 Ohms).

Q: What is the difference between MDL-15-R and BK/MDL-15-R?

A: Both parts are Eaton MDL series fuses with identical electrical specifications and form factor. The primary difference is packaging designation and RoHS compliance documentation. MDL-15-R carries RoHS compliance status, while BK/MDL-15-R carries ROHS3 compliance. Both are suitable direct replacements for BK/MDL-15.

Q: Are Littelfuse 313 series parts (0313015.HXP, 0313015.MXP, 0313015.VXP) compatible with 3AB/3AG holders?

A: Yes. All Littelfuse 313 series parts maintain the required 0.250" Dia x 1.250" L physical dimensions and are designed for 3AB/3AG holder compatibility. Functional compatibility is assured across all critical electrical parameters (15 A, 32 V AC, slow blow response).

Q: What is the significance of the different breaking capacity ratings (1 kA for Eaton versus 300 A for Littelfuse)?

A: Breaking capacity indicates the maximum fault current the fuse can safely interrupt. Both ratings exceed standard circuit protection requirements for 15 A, 32 V applications. The difference does not affect functional compatibility or safety in typical industrial and commercial applications using standard 3AB/3AG holders.

Q: Why does BK/MDL-15 show obsolete status?

A: BK/MDL-15 is classified as obsolete by Eaton Electronics Division. Active equivalent products (BK/MDL-15-R, MDL-15-R) are available from the same manufacturer to support continued supply and compliance with current regulatory standards including RoHS requirements.

Q: Can I use MDQ-15 instead of MDL-15-R?

A: Yes. MDQ-15 is a parametric equivalent with identical current rating (15 A), voltage rating (32 V AC), response time (slow blow), and physical dimensions. Both are Eaton products with active status. Selection between MDL and MDQ series depends on availability and specific application requirements, as both provide equivalent circuit protection functionality.

Q: Do all substitute parts have the same operating temperature range?

A: No. Eaton MDL and MDQ series parts do not specify operating temperature range in the provided data. Littelfuse 313 series parts specify -55°C to 125°C operating range. For applications requiring extended temperature operation, Littelfuse 313 series variants are recommended.

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