GDB-2A Glass Cartridge Fuse 2A 250VAC 5x20mm Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The GDB-2A is a fast-blow glass cartridge fuse manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division, rated for 2 amperes at 250 volts AC/DC. This fuse is designed for use in 5mm x 20mm holder assemblies and requires a separate fuse holder for installation. The part is currently active in production with 981 pieces in stock. Alternative equivalent parts are necessary when the primary GDB-2A is unavailable, when specific regulatory certifications are required for regional markets, or when inventory constraints necessitate substitution with functionally identical components from alternative manufacturers.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Current Rating	2 A
Voltage Rating (AC)	250 V
Fuse Type	Cartridge, Glass
Response Time	Fast Blow
Package / Case	5mm x 20mm
Mounting Type	Requires Holder
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	35A
Size / Dimension	0.205" Dia x 0.787" L (5.20mm x 20.00mm)
DC Cold Resistance	0.043 Ohms
Melting I²t	4.2
Approval Agency	VDE, UR
Product Status	Active

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the GDB-2A is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Primary Equivalence Criteria:

Current Rating: 2 A (exact match required)
Voltage Rating (AC): 250 V (exact match required)
Package / Case: 5mm x 20mm (exact match required)
Fuse Type: Cartridge, Glass (exact match required)
Response Time: Fast Blow (exact match required)
Mounting Type: Requires Holder (exact match required)

Secondary Compatibility Parameters:

Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage: 35A or higher
Melting I²t: 4.2 or within acceptable tolerance range
DC Cold Resistance: 0.043 Ohms or equivalent
Approval Agency: Must include at least one common certification (VDE, UR, UL, CSA, or equivalent)

All substitute parts listed below meet the primary equivalence criteria. Variations in breaking capacity, melting I²t, and DC cold resistance are noted where they differ from the GDB-2A specification, as these parameters may affect performance in specific circuit applications.

Parameter Comparison

Manufacturer Part Number	Manufacturer	Current Rating (A)	Voltage Rating (V AC)	Response Time	Package / Case	Breaking Capacity (A)	Melting I²t	DC Cold Resistance (Ohms)	Approval Agency	Inventory (Pcs)
GDB-2A	Eaton - Electronics Division	2	250	Fast Blow	5mm x 20mm	35	4.2	0.043	VDE, UR	981
BK/GDB-2A	Eaton - Electronics Division	2	250	Fast Blow	5mm x 20mm	35	4.2	0.043	UL, VDE	2820
BK/S500-2-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	2	250	Fast Blow	5mm x 20mm	35	4.2	0.043	BSI, CCC, CSA, cULus, IMQ, SEMKO, VDE	4260
BK1/S500-2-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	2	250	Fast Blow	5mm x 20mm	35	4.2	0.043	BSI, CCC, cURus, IMQ, PSE, SEMKO, VDE	1480
GMA-2-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	2	250	Fast Blow	5mm x 20mm	100	3.1	0.066	CSA, PSE, UL	1062
S500-2-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	2	250	Fast Blow	5mm x 20mm	35	4.2	0.043	BSI, CCC, CSA, cURus, IMQ, SEMKO, VDE	912
0034.1519	SCHURTER Inc.	2	250	Fast Blow	5mm x 20mm	35	5.28	Not specified	CCC, cURus, PSE/JET, VDE	20622
0034.3877	SCHURTER Inc.	2	250	Fast Blow	5mm x 20mm	100	2.93	Not specified	cULus	1840
0217002.HXP	Littelfuse Inc.	2	250	Fast Blow	5mm x 20mm	35	5.73	0.0416	BSI, CE, CCC, CSA, KC, PSE, SEMKO, UR, VDE	3823
0217002.MXP	Littelfuse Inc.	2	250	Fast Blow	5mm x 20mm	35	5.73	0.0416	BSI, CE, CCC, CSA, KC, PSE, SEMKO, UR, VDE	30200
0217002.TXP	Littelfuse Inc.	2	250	Fast Blow	5mm x 20mm	35	5.73	0.0416	BSI, CE, CCC, CSA, KC, PSE, SEMKO, UR, VDE	775

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Eaton GDB Series (BK/GDB-2A, BK/S500-2-R, BK1/S500-2-R, S500-2-R)

These Eaton alternatives provide direct parametric equivalence to the GDB-2A with identical electrical characteristics (2A, 250V, 5x20mm, 35A breaking capacity, 4.2 melting I²t, 0.043 Ohms DC cold resistance). The BK/GDB-2A variant adds UL certification to the original VDE and UR approvals. The S500 series variants (BK/S500-2-R, BK1/S500-2-R, S500-2-R) maintain identical electrical performance while offering expanded regulatory certifications including BSI, CCC, CSA, and cULus/cURus. These parts are suitable for direct substitution in applications requiring Eaton brand continuity or when expanded certification coverage is required for international markets.

Eaton GMA Series (GMA-2-R)

The GMA-2-R maintains the 2A, 250V, 5x20mm specifications but differs in breaking capacity (100A versus 35A) and melting I²t (3.1 versus 4.2). The DC cold resistance is higher at 0.066 Ohms. This part is suitable for applications where higher breaking capacity is beneficial, though the lower melting I²t indicates faster response characteristics. Certifications include CSA, PSE, and UL.

SCHURTER FSF Series (0034.1519)

The SCHURTER 0034.1519 (FSF 5x20 series) provides parametric equivalence with identical 2A, 250V, 5x20mm, 35A breaking capacity specifications. The melting I²t is 5.28, slightly higher than the GDB-2A. This part offers the highest inventory availability (20,622 pieces) and includes CCC, cURus, PSE/JET, and VDE certifications. Operating temperature range is specified as -55°C to 125°C.

SCHURTER FSK Series (0034.3877)

The SCHURTER 0034.3877 (FSK 5x20 series) matches the 2A, 250V, 5x20mm specifications but features 100A breaking capacity and 2.93 melting I²t. This represents a faster-acting fuse variant with higher breaking capacity. Certification is limited to cULus. Operating temperature range is -40°C to 85°C.

Littelfuse 217 Series (0217002.HXP, 0217002.MXP, 0217002.TXP)

The Littelfuse 217 series variants provide parametric equivalence with 2A, 250V, 5x20mm, 35A breaking capacity specifications. Melting I²t is 5.73 and DC cold resistance is 0.0416 Ohms. All three variants (HXP, MXP, TXP) are electrically identical, differing only in packaging or tape configuration. These parts offer the broadest certification coverage including BSI, CE, CCC, CSA, KC, PSE, SEMKO, UR, and VDE. The 0217002.MXP variant has the highest inventory (30,200 pieces). Operating temperature range is -55°C to 125°C.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I substitute the GDB-2A with any of the listed alternatives without circuit modification?

A: All listed substitute parts meet the primary equivalence criteria (2A, 250V, 5x20mm, fast-blow cartridge glass fuse, requires holder). Direct substitution is electrically compatible. However, variations in melting I²t and breaking capacity should be evaluated against specific circuit requirements. Parts with identical melting I²t (4.2) and breaking capacity (35A) to the GDB-2A are: BK/GDB-2A, BK/S500-2-R, BK1/S500-2-R, S500-2-R, and 0034.1519. Parts with higher breaking capacity (100A) or different melting I²t should be selected only when these characteristics are acceptable for the application.

Q: What is the difference between the Eaton GDB and S500 series?

A: The GDB-2A and S500-2-R variants are electrically identical in all critical parameters (2A, 250V, 5x20mm, 35A breaking capacity, 4.2 melting I²t, 0.043 Ohms DC cold resistance). The primary difference is regulatory certification coverage. The S500 series variants include broader international certifications (BSI, CCC, CSA, cULus/cURus, IMQ, SEMKO, VDE) compared to the GDB-2A (VDE, UR). Selection between these should be based on required certifications for the target market.

Q: How do the Littelfuse 217 series variants differ from each other?

A: The 0217002.HXP, 0217002.MXP, and 0217002.TXP are electrically identical. All three have 2A, 250V, 5x20mm specifications, 35A breaking capacity, 5.73 melting I²t, and 0.0416 Ohms DC cold resistance. The designations (HXP, MXP, TXP) indicate different packaging or tape configurations. Selection should be based on inventory availability and packaging requirements. The MXP variant has significantly higher stock (30,200 pieces).

Q: What does melting I²t represent and why does it vary among substitutes?

A: Melting I²t is a thermal characteristic that indicates the energy required to melt the fuse element. It is expressed in ampere-squared-seconds (A²s). The GDB-2A has a melting I²t of 4.2. Substitutes with higher melting I²t (such as Littelfuse 217 series at 5.73 or SCHURTER 0034.1519 at 5.28) require slightly more energy to open, resulting in marginally slower response. Substitutes with lower melting I²t (such as SCHURTER 0034.3877 at 2.93 or Eaton GMA-2-R at 3.1) respond faster. Selection should align with circuit protection requirements.

Q: What is breaking capacity and why does it differ between GDB-2A and GMA-2-R?

A: Breaking capacity is the maximum current the fuse can safely interrupt at its rated voltage without rupturing or creating a hazard. The GDB-2A has 35A breaking capacity, while the GMA-2-R has 100A. Higher breaking capacity provides greater safety margin in high-fault-current applications. The GMA-2-R is suitable for circuits where higher fault currents are possible, though it maintains the same 2A operating current rating.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: The Eaton variants (BK/GDB-2A, BK/S500-2-R, BK1/S500-2-R, GMA-2-R, S500-2-R) and all Littelfuse 217 series parts are explicitly listed as ROHS3 Compliant. The SCHURTER parts (0034.1519 and 0034.3877) are also ROHS3 Compliant. All substitute parts are suitable for applications requiring RoHS compliance.

Q: Which substitute has the best inventory availability?

A: The Littelfuse 0217002.MXP has the highest inventory with 30,200 pieces in stock, followed by SCHURTER 0034.1519 with 20,622 pieces. These two options provide the best availability for immediate procurement.

Q: What certifications does the GDB-2A hold and how do substitutes compare?

A: The GDB-2A holds VDE and UR certifications. Substitutes offer expanded certification coverage: Littelfuse 217 series includes BSI, CE, CCC, CSA, KC, PSE, SEMKO, UR, and VDE (most comprehensive). Eaton S500 variants include BSI, CCC, CSA, cULus/cURus, IMQ, SEMKO, and VDE. Selection should be based on required certifications for the target market or application.

Q: Can I use the GMA-2-R as a direct replacement for the GDB-2A?

A: The GMA-2-R is electrically compatible for direct installation (2A, 250V, 5x20mm, fast-blow, requires holder). However, it differs in breaking capacity (100A versus 35A), melting I²t (3.1 versus 4.2), and DC cold resistance (0.066 versus 0.043 Ohms). These differences mean the GMA-2-R responds faster and has higher breaking capacity. It is suitable for substitution when these characteristics are acceptable or beneficial for the application.

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

A: The GDB-2A does not specify an operating temperature range. Substitutes with specified ranges are: SCHURTER 0034.1519 (-55°C to 125°C), SCHURTER 0034.3877 (-40°C to 85°C), and Littelfuse 217 series (-55°C to 125°C). Eaton variants do not specify operating temperature ranges. For applications with extreme temperature requirements, SCHURTER 0034.1519 or Littelfuse 217 series are recommended.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message