Equivalent & Substitute Parts for BK/S506-500MA

Part Overview

The BK/S506-500MA is a 500 mA, 250 V AC/DC slow-blow glass cartridge fuse in 5mm x 20mm form factor manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division. This component is classified as obsolete, requiring identification of active equivalent and substitute parts for ongoing circuit protection applications. The fuse requires a holder for installation and is designed for applications demanding slow-blow response characteristics with a breaking capacity of 35 A at rated voltage.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Current Rating	500 mA
Voltage Rating (AC)	250 V
Fuse Type	Cartridge, Glass
Package / Case	5mm x 20mm
Response Time	Slow Blow
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	35 A
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/S506-500MA is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Primary Equivalence Criteria:

Current Rating: 500 mA (exact match required)
Voltage Rating: 250 V AC (exact match required)
Package / Case: 5mm x 20mm (exact match required)
Response Time: Slow Blow (exact match required)
Fuse Type: Cartridge, Glass (exact match required)
Breaking Capacity: 35 A (exact match required)

Secondary Considerations:

Mounting Type: Requires Holder (all substitutes maintain this requirement)
Approval Agencies: Compliance certifications determine application suitability
Product Status: Active status preferred for long-term availability

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Direct Manufacturer Equivalents (Eaton - Electronics Division): Parts maintaining identical electrical and mechanical specifications with active product status and enhanced compliance certifications.

Cross-Manufacturer Equivalents: Parts from alternative manufacturers (SCHURTER Inc., Littelfuse Inc.) meeting all critical electrical and mechanical parameters while offering different melting I²t characteristics and approval agency certifications.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Current Rating (mA)	Voltage (V AC)	Package	Response Time	Breaking Capacity (A)	Melting I²t	DC Cold Resistance (Ω)	Product Status
BK/S506-500MA	Eaton	500	250	5x20mm	Slow Blow	35	0.67	0.183	Obsolete
BK/S506-500-R	Eaton	500	250	5x20mm	Slow Blow	35	0.827	0.183	Active
S506-500-R	Eaton	500	250	5x20mm	Slow Blow	35	0.827	0.183	Active
BK/GDC-500MA	Eaton	500	250	5x20mm	Slow Blow	35	0.827	0.183	Active
GDC-500MA	Eaton	500	250	5x20mm	Slow Blow	35	0.827	0.183	Active
BK/GMD-500-R	Eaton	500	250	5x20mm	Slow Blow	35	1.4	1.0645	Active
GMD-500-R	Eaton	500	250	5x20mm	Slow Blow	35	1.4	1.0645	Active
BK1/GMD-500-R	Eaton	500	250	5x20mm	Slow Blow	35	1.4	1.0645	Active
0218.500TXP	Littelfuse	500	250	5x20mm	Slow Blow	35	2.825	0.37	Active
0034.3114	SCHURTER	500	250	5x20mm	Slow Blow	35	3	Not Specified	Active
0034.3771	SCHURTER	500	250	5x20mm	Slow Blow	35	0.73	Not Specified	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Tier 1 - Direct Eaton Replacements (Preferred for Legacy System Compatibility):

BK/S506-500-R and S506-500-R are direct Eaton equivalents maintaining the S506 series designation. Both parts are active and carry comprehensive approval certifications including BSI, CCC, CSA, cULus, IMQ, SEMKO, and VDE. These parts demonstrate identical electrical characteristics to the obsolete BK/S506-500MA with melting I²t of 0.827 and DC cold resistance of 0.183 Ω. RoHS3 compliance is confirmed for both variants.

Tier 2 - Eaton Series Alternatives (GDC and GMD Series):

BK/GDC-500MA and GDC-500MA maintain identical melting I²t (0.827) and DC cold resistance (0.183 Ω) as the S506 series but carry limited approval certifications (cULus, IMQ). The GMD series variants (BK/GMD-500-R, GMD-500-R, BK1/GMD-500-R) exhibit higher melting I²t (1.4) and elevated DC cold resistance (1.0645 Ω), indicating different thermal response characteristics. GMD series approvals include CSA and UL only.

Tier 3 - Cross-Manufacturer Equivalents:

Littelfuse 0218.500TXP provides comprehensive approval coverage (CCC, CE, CSA, KC, SEMKO, UL, VDE) with melting I²t of 2.825 and DC cold resistance of 0.37 Ω. Operating temperature range extends to -55°C ~ 125°C.

SCHURTER 0034.3114 (FST 5x20 series) offers melting I²t of 3 with operating temperature range -55°C ~ 125°C and approvals including CCC, cURus, and VDE.

SCHURTER 0034.3771 (FSL 5x20 series) provides melting I²t of 0.73 with operating temperature range -40°C ~ 85°C and cULus approval.

Selection Basis:

Selection between Tier 1, 2, and 3 options depends on circuit protection requirements and approval agency mandates for the end application. Melting I²t variation across substitutes affects thermal response time and must align with circuit design specifications. DC cold resistance differences impact voltage drop characteristics in the fuse holder circuit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BK/S506-500MA be directly replaced with BK/S506-500-R?

A: Yes. Both parts maintain identical current rating (500 mA), voltage rating (250 V AC), package dimensions (5mm x 20mm), response time (slow blow), and breaking capacity (35 A). BK/S506-500-R is the active equivalent with enhanced compliance certifications and RoHS3 compliance.

Q: What is the significance of melting I²t differences between substitute parts?

A: Melting I²t defines the thermal energy required to melt the fuse element. The original BK/S506-500MA specifies 0.67 I²t. Substitutes range from 0.73 (SCHURTER 0034.3771) to 3.0 (SCHURTER 0034.3114). Higher I²t values indicate slower thermal response. Circuit design must accommodate the selected substitute's thermal characteristics to maintain intended protection timing.

Q: Are all substitute parts compatible with existing BK/S506-500MA fuse holders?

A: Yes. All substitute parts maintain the 5mm x 20mm package dimension and require holder mounting. Physical compatibility is confirmed across all listed equivalents and substitutes.

Q: Which substitute offers the broadest approval agency coverage?

A: Littelfuse 0218.500TXP carries approvals from CCC, CE, CSA, KC, SEMKO, UL, and VDE, providing the most comprehensive certification coverage among cross-manufacturer options.

Q: What is the difference between Eaton S506, GDC, and GMD series fuses?

A: All three series meet the 500 mA, 250 V, 5x20mm, slow-blow specifications. The primary difference is melting I²t: S506 and GDC series at 0.827 I²t, GMD series at 1.4 I²t. DC cold resistance also differs: S506/GDC at 0.183 Ω, GMD at 1.0645 Ω. Approval agency certifications vary by series.

Q: Can SCHURTER parts be used as direct replacements in applications requiring Eaton certification?

A: SCHURTER parts meet all electrical and mechanical parameters but carry different approval certifications. Application requirements determine whether SCHURTER certifications (CCC, cURus, VDE for 0034.3114; cULus for 0034.3771) satisfy regulatory mandates. Verification against specific application standards is required.

Q: What operating temperature ranges are specified for substitute parts?

A: The original BK/S506-500MA does not specify operating temperature. Littelfuse 0218.500TXP and SCHURTER 0034.3114 operate from -55°C to 125°C. SCHURTER 0034.3771 operates from -40°C to 85°C. Eaton parts do not specify operating temperature limits in provided data.

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