Equivalent & Substitute Parts for GDB-500MA

Part Overview

The GDB-500MA is a 500 mA fast-blow glass cartridge fuse rated for 250 V AC/DC operation in a 5mm x 20mm package. Manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division, this component is classified as Active product status and requires a fuse holder for installation. Alternative equivalent parts become necessary when the primary part experiences supply constraints, when specific regional certifications are required, or when design requirements call for alternative electrical characteristics such as melting I²t values or DC cold resistance specifications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Current Rating	500 mA
Voltage Rating (AC)	250 V
Response Time	Fast Blow
Package / Case	5mm x 20mm
Fuse Type	Cartridge, Glass
Mounting Type	Requires Holder
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	35A

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the GDB-500MA is determined by strict equivalence across the following parameters: current rating (500 mA), voltage rating (250 V AC), response time classification (Fast Blow), physical package dimensions (5mm x 20mm), fuse type (Cartridge, Glass), and mounting requirement (Requires Holder). All identified substitute parts maintain these core electrical and mechanical specifications. Secondary parameters including melting I²t, DC cold resistance, and approval agency certifications are provided for engineering evaluation but do not disqualify substitution when primary parameters align. Substitute parts are grouped by manufacturer: Eaton - Electronics Division (GDB series, GMA series, S500 series), SCHURTER Inc. (FSF 5x20 series), and Littelfuse Inc. (217 and 235 series).

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Series	Current Rating	Voltage Rating (AC)	Response Time	Package	Breaking Capacity	Melting I²t	DC Cold Resistance (Ohms)	Product Status
GDB-500MA	Eaton	GDB	500 mA	250 V	Fast Blow	5x20mm	35A	0.18	0.26	Active
BK/GDB-500MA	Eaton	GDB	500 mA	250 V	Fast Blow	5x20mm	35A	0.18	0.26	Active
BK/S500-500-R	Eaton	S500	500 mA	250 V	Fast Blow	5x20mm	35A	0.18	0.26	Active
BK1/S500-500-R	Eaton	S500	500 mA	250 V	Fast Blow	5x20mm	35A	0.18	0.26	Active
GMA-500-R	Eaton	GMA	500 mA	250 V	Fast Blow	5x20mm	35A	0.15	0.454	Active
S500-500-R	Eaton	S500	500 mA	250 V	Fast Blow	5x20mm	35A	0.18	0.26	Active
0034.1513	SCHURTER Inc.	FSF 5x20	500 mA	250 V	Fast Blow	5x20mm	35A	0.151	Not Specified	Active
0217.500HXP	Littelfuse Inc.	217	500 mA	250 V	Fast Blow	5x20mm	35A	0.215	0.2065	Active
0217.500MXP	Littelfuse Inc.	217	500 mA	250 V	Fast Blow	5x20mm	35A	0.215	0.2065	Active
0217.500TXP	Littelfuse Inc.	217	500 mA	250 V	Fast Blow	5x20mm	35A	0.215	0.2065	Active
0235.500HXP	Littelfuse Inc.	235	500 mA	250 V	Fast Blow	5x20mm	35A	0.06915	0.4265	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All substitute parts listed maintain Active product status and are manufactured by established component suppliers with recognized quality certifications. Selection among equivalents should be based on the following criteria:

Eaton GDB and S500 Series: BK/GDB-500MA, BK/S500-500-R, BK1/S500-500-R, and S500-500-R provide direct electrical equivalence with identical melting I²t (0.18) and DC cold resistance (0.26 Ohms) to the primary GDB-500MA part. These parts carry certifications from VDE, UL, BSI, CCC, CSA, cULus, IMQ, and SEMKO depending on variant. Selection from this group is appropriate when maintaining identical thermal response characteristics is required.

Eaton GMA Series: GMA-500-R maintains all core electrical parameters but exhibits lower melting I²t (0.15) and higher DC cold resistance (0.454 Ohms). This variant carries CSA, PSE, and UL certifications. Selection is appropriate when lower thermal energy dissipation is acceptable and PSE certification is required.

SCHURTER FSF 5x20 Series: Part 0034.1513 provides melting I²t of 0.151 with operating temperature range -55°C to 125°C. Certifications include CCC, cURus, and VDE. This option is suitable when extended temperature operating range is a design requirement.

Littelfuse 217 Series: Parts 0217.500HXP, 0217.500MXP, and 0217.500TXP are functionally equivalent with melting I²t of 0.215 and DC cold resistance of 0.2065 Ohms. Operating temperature range is -55°C to 125°C. Certifications span CCC, CE, CSA, K-MARK, SEMKO, UL, and VDE. These variants are suitable when broader international certification coverage is required.

Littelfuse 235 Series: Part 0235.500HXP exhibits significantly lower melting I²t (0.06915) and higher DC cold resistance (0.4265 Ohms) with operating temperature -55°C to 125°C. Certifications include CE, CSA, KC, and UL. This variant is appropriate only when substantially faster thermal response is a design requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I substitute GDB-500MA with any of the listed parts without circuit modification?

A: All listed substitute parts maintain identical current rating (500 mA), voltage rating (250 V AC), response time classification (Fast Blow), and physical package (5x20mm). Direct substitution is electrically and mechanically compatible. However, differences in melting I²t and DC cold resistance may affect circuit thermal response characteristics. Verify that secondary electrical parameters align with circuit design specifications before implementation.

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

A: Melting I²t represents the thermal energy required to melt the fuse element. Lower values (such as 0.06915 for 0235.500HXP) indicate faster thermal response, while higher values (such as 0.215 for Littelfuse 217 series) indicate slower response. Circuit protection coordination and equipment thermal withstand ratings must be evaluated against the selected fuse variant's melting I²t value.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Most substitute parts carry ROHS3 Compliant status. GMA-500-R is listed as RoHS Compliant. Verify specific RoHS compliance requirements for your application and confirm the selected part meets applicable regulatory standards.

Q: What certifications should I prioritize for international applications?

A: Certification requirements depend on target markets. VDE certification is common across most variants for European applications. UL certification is present in GDB-500MA, BK/GDB-500MA, GMA-500-R, and Littelfuse 217 and 235 series for North American markets. CSA certification is available in multiple variants for Canadian applications. CCC certification is present in several parts for Chinese market compliance. Select based on geographic deployment requirements.

Q: Can I use 0235.500HXP as a direct replacement for GDB-500MA?

A: While 0235.500HXP maintains identical current, voltage, response time, and package specifications, its melting I²t of 0.06915 is substantially lower than GDB-500MA's 0.18. This represents approximately 62% reduction in thermal energy requirement. Use only if circuit design specifically requires faster thermal response. Verify circuit protection coordination before substitution.

Q: What is the difference between BK/GDB-500MA and GDB-500MA?

A: Both parts are manufactured by Eaton and maintain identical electrical specifications (500 mA, 250 V, 0.18 melting I²t, 0.26 Ohms DC cold resistance). BK/GDB-500MA carries additional ROHS3 Compliant and REACH Unaffected designations. The "BK" designation indicates a specific product variant. Both are functionally equivalent for circuit protection applications.

Q: Are operating temperature ranges important for my application?

A: GDB-500MA does not specify an operating temperature range. SCHURTER 0034.1513 and Littelfuse 217 and 235 series specify -55°C to 125°C operating range. If your application requires operation outside standard ambient conditions, select a substitute part with specified temperature range that covers your requirements.

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