Equivalent & Substitute Parts for BK/S501-4A Ceramic Fuse

Part Overview

The BK/S501-4A is a 4 A, 250 V AC/DC ceramic cartridge fuse manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division, designed for 5mm x 20mm fuse holders. This part is classified as obsolete, making identification of active equivalent and substitute components essential for ongoing system maintenance and new design implementations. The fuse operates with fast-blow response characteristics and carries multiple international safety certifications including CCC, CSA, cULus, IMQ, SEMKO, and VDE approval.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Current Rating	4 A
Voltage Rating (AC)	250 V
Fuse Type	Cartridge, Ceramic
Package / Case	5mm x 20mm
Response Time	Fast Blow
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	1.5 kA
Melting I²t	14
Mounting Type	Requires Holder
Size / Dimension	0.205" Dia x 0.787" L (5.20mm x 20.00mm)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the BK/S501-4A is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

Current Rating: 4 A
Voltage Rating (AC): 250 V
Fuse Type: Cartridge, Ceramic
Package / Case: 5mm x 20mm
Response Time: Fast Blow
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage: 1.5 kA
Mounting Type: Requires Holder

All substitute parts listed maintain identical values for these parameters. Melting I²t values range from 12.6 to 14.995, representing acceptable variation within ceramic fuse manufacturing tolerances for this current and voltage class. Substitute parts are sourced from three manufacturers: Eaton - Electronics Division, SCHURTER Inc., and Littelfuse Inc., all of which maintain active product status and RoHS3 compliance.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Current (A)	Voltage (V AC)	Package	Response	Breaking Capacity (kA)	Melting I²t	Product Status	RoHS Status
BK/S501-4A	Eaton	4	250	5x20mm	Fast Blow	1.5	14	Obsolete	Non-compliant
BK/S501-4-R	Eaton	4	250	5x20mm	Fast Blow	1.5	14	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
BK/GDA-4A	Eaton	4	250	5x20mm	Fast Blow	1.5	14	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
BK1/S501-4-R	Eaton	4	250	5x20mm	Fast Blow	1.5	14	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
GDA-4A	Eaton	4	250	5x20mm	Fast Blow	1.5	14	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
S501-4-R	Eaton	4	250	5x20mm	Fast Blow	1.5	14	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
0001.1010	SCHURTER	4	250	5x20mm	Fast Blow	1.5	12.6	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
0216004.HXP	Littelfuse	4	250	5x20mm	Fast Blow	1.5	14.995	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
0216004.MXBP	Littelfuse	4	250	5x20mm	Fast Blow	1.5	14.995	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
0216004.MXP	Littelfuse	4	250	5x20mm	Fast Blow	1.5	14.995	Active	ROHS3 Compliant
0216004.TXP	Littelfuse	4	250	5x20mm	Fast Blow	1.5	14.995	Active	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Manufacturer Substitutes (Eaton - Electronics Division):

The BK/S501-4-R and BK1/S501-4-R represent the primary direct substitutes from Eaton, maintaining identical electrical and mechanical specifications while offering active product status and RoHS3 compliance. Both parts carry comprehensive international certifications including BSI, CCC, CSA, cULus, IMQ, MITI/JET, SEMKO, and VDE approval. The BK/S501-4-R is available in bulk packaging with 1634 units in stock, while BK1/S501-4-R provides 1503 units. These parts are functionally interchangeable with the obsolete BK/S501-4A.

Series Alternatives (Eaton GDA Series):

The BK/GDA-4A and GDA-4A represent parametric equivalents from Eaton's GDA series, maintaining all critical electrical parameters and mechanical dimensions. These parts carry CCC, CSA, IMQ, SEMKO, and UL certifications. The GDA series offers 2000 and 1147 units in stock respectively, providing robust supply availability.

Cross-Manufacturer Alternatives:

SCHURTER Inc. part 0001.1010 (SP 5x20 series) and Littelfuse Inc. parts 0216004.HXP, 0216004.MXBP, 0216004.MXP, and 0216004.TXP (216 series) provide parametric equivalence with identical current, voltage, package, and response characteristics. All cross-manufacturer substitutes maintain RoHS3 compliance and carry comprehensive international certifications including CCC, CE, CSA, KC, PSE, SEMKO, UL, and VDE approval. Littelfuse parts feature operating temperature range of -55°C to 125°C and DC cold resistance of 0.0247 Ohms. SCHURTER part 0001.1010 specifies operating temperature range of -55°C to 125°C with melting I²t of 12.6.

Compliance Considerations:

All substitute parts maintain RoHS3 compliance, addressing environmental regulatory requirements. The original BK/S501-4A is RoHS non-compliant, making transition to any active substitute necessary for new designs or systems requiring RoHS compliance verification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I directly replace BK/S501-4A with BK/S501-4-R?

A: Yes. BK/S501-4-R is a direct manufacturer substitute from Eaton with identical electrical ratings (4 A, 250 V AC), fuse type (ceramic cartridge), package dimensions (5mm x 20mm), response time (fast blow), and breaking capacity (1.5 kA). Both require the same fuse holder. BK/S501-4-R is active and RoHS3 compliant.

Q: What is the difference between Eaton S501 and GDA series fuses?

A: Both series maintain identical electrical and mechanical parameters for the 4 A, 250 V rating. The primary difference is series designation and certification portfolio. S501 series carries BSI, CCC, CSA, cULus, IMQ, MITI/JET, SEMKO, and VDE certifications. GDA series carries CCC, CSA, IMQ, SEMKO, and UL certifications. Selection depends on specific certification requirements for your application.

Q: Are Littelfuse 0216004 series fuses compatible with Eaton fuse holders?

A: Yes. All substitute parts maintain identical package dimensions (5mm x 20mm) and mounting type (requires holder). Littelfuse 0216004 series parts are mechanically and electrically compatible with standard 5mm x 20mm fuse holders designed for the BK/S501-4A.

Q: What does melting I²t variation mean for fuse selection?

A: Melting I²t represents the thermal energy required to melt the fuse element. The BK/S501-4A specifies 14, while SCHURTER 0001.1010 specifies 12.6 and Littelfuse 0216004 series specifies 14.995. These variations fall within acceptable manufacturing tolerances for ceramic fuses in this current and voltage class and do not affect functional compatibility for standard circuit protection applications.

Q: Which substitute offers the best inventory availability?

A: BK/GDA-4A from Eaton provides the highest inventory with 2000 units in stock. Littelfuse 0216004.MXP offers 1670 units. BK/S501-4-R provides 1634 units. All three represent robust supply options for immediate procurement.

Q: Do all substitutes carry the same international certifications?

A: No. Certification portfolios vary by manufacturer and series. Eaton S501 series includes BSI and MITI/JET certifications not present in GDA series. Littelfuse and SCHURTER parts include CE and PSE certifications. Verify specific certification requirements for your application before final selection.

Q: What is the operating temperature range for substitute fuses?

A: The original BK/S501-4A does not specify operating temperature. SCHURTER 0001.1010 and Littelfuse 0216004 series specify -55°C to 125°C operating range. Eaton substitutes do not specify operating temperature in provided data. Confirm temperature requirements with application specifications.

Q: Can I use 0216004.HXP, 0216004.MXBP, 0216004.MXP, or 0216004.TXP interchangeably?

A: Yes. All four Littelfuse 0216004 variants maintain identical electrical ratings, package dimensions, response time, breaking capacity, and melting I²t (14.995). Differences are in packaging designation and internal construction variants. Selection can be based on availability and procurement preference.

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