GDC-160MA Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The GDC-160MA is a 160 mA slow-blow glass cartridge fuse rated for 250 V AC/DC operation in a 5mm x 20mm package form factor. Manufactured by Eaton Electronics Division, this component is classified as Active product status and requires a fuse holder for installation. Substitute parts become necessary due to supply chain constraints, regional availability, design optimization requirements, or end-of-life considerations for the primary part number.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Current Rating	160 mA
Voltage Rating (AC)	250 V
Response Time	Slow Blow
Package / Case	5mm x 20mm
Fuse Type	Cartridge, Glass
Mounting Type	Requires Holder
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	35A
Melting I²t	0.093

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the GDC-160MA is determined by strict equivalence across the following parameters: current rating (160 mA), voltage rating (250 V AC), response time classification (Slow 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. Breaking capacity and melting I²t values are provided for reference but do not restrict substitution within this product category, as all qualified substitutes meet or exceed the rated voltage and current specifications. Approval agency certifications and RoHS compliance status are documented for regulatory and procurement purposes.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Current Rating (mA)	Voltage Rating (V AC)	Response Time	Package	Breaking Capacity (A)	Melting I²t	DC Cold Resistance (Ohms)	Product Status
GDC-160MA	Eaton - Electronics Division	160	250	Slow Blow	5x20mm	35	0.093	1.27	Active
BK/GDC-160MA	Eaton - Electronics Division	160	250	Slow Blow	5x20mm	35	0.093	1.27	Active
BK/S506-160-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	160	250	Slow Blow	5x20mm	35	0.093	1.27	Active
BK1/S506-160-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	160	250	Slow Blow	5x20mm	35	0.093	1.27	Active
S506-160-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	160	250	Slow Blow	5x20mm	35	0.093	1.27	Active
0034.3109	SCHURTER Inc.	160	250	Slow Blow	5x20mm	35	0.23	Not Specified	Active
0034.5609.11	SCHURTER Inc.	160	250	Slow Blow	5x20mm	35	0.23	Not Specified	Active
0034.5705.11	SCHURTER Inc.	160	250	Slow Blow	5x20mm	35	1	Not Specified	Active
0218.160HXP	Littelfuse Inc.	160	250	Slow Blow	5x20mm	35	0.219	2.55	Active
0218.160MXP	Littelfuse Inc.	160	250	Slow Blow	5x20mm	35	0.219	2.55	Active
0219.160MXAP	Littelfuse Inc.	160	250	Slow Blow	5x20mm	150	0.31	2.55	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All substitute parts listed maintain Active product status and are manufactured by established component suppliers: Eaton Electronics Division, SCHURTER Inc., and Littelfuse Inc. Selection among qualified substitutes should prioritize parts with ROHS3 compliance certification where applicable. The Eaton S506 series variants (BK/S506-160-R, BK1/S506-160-R, S506-160-R) and Littelfuse 218 series variants (0218.160HXP, 0218.160MXP) carry expanded approval agency certifications including BSI, CCC, CSA, SEMKO, UR, and VDE, supporting broader regional deployment requirements. SCHURTER parts (0034.3109, 0034.5609.11, 0034.5705.11) provide REACH Unaffected status and extended operating temperature ranges (-55°C to 125°C). The Littelfuse 0219.160MXAP variant offers elevated breaking capacity (150A) compared to the standard 35A specification, suitable for applications requiring enhanced fault current handling. DC cold resistance values vary across manufacturers and should be evaluated against circuit design requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I substitute GDC-160MA with any of the listed part numbers?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts maintain identical current rating (160 mA), voltage rating (250 V AC), response time classification (Slow Blow), and physical package dimensions (5mm x 20mm). Electrical and mechanical compatibility is assured across all substitutes.

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

A: Both series are manufactured by Eaton Electronics Division and meet identical electrical specifications for 160 mA, 250 V AC operation in 5x20mm packages. The S506 series variants carry broader international approval certifications (BSI, CCC, CSA, SEMKO, UR, VDE) compared to the GDC series, making them suitable for applications requiring multi-regional compliance documentation.

Q: Are SCHURTER and Littelfuse substitutes fully compatible with Eaton GDC-160MA?

A: Yes. All three manufacturers' parts meet the core electrical and mechanical requirements. SCHURTER parts offer extended operating temperature ranges (-55°C to 125°C) and REACH Unaffected status. Littelfuse parts provide comparable temperature ranges and comprehensive international certifications. Selection should be based on specific compliance, temperature, and supply chain requirements.

Q: What does melting I²t value indicate, and why do substitutes show different values?

A: Melting I²t represents the thermal energy required to melt the fuse element and is a characteristic of fuse design and construction. Variations across manufacturers (0.093 to 1.0) reflect different internal element designs while maintaining the same 160 mA current rating and slow-blow response time. All values are within acceptable ranges for this product category.

Q: Does the 0219.160MXAP with 150A breaking capacity differ functionally from standard 35A variants?

A: The 0219.160MXAP maintains identical current rating (160 mA), voltage rating (250 V AC), and response time (Slow Blow). The elevated breaking capacity (150A versus 35A) indicates enhanced capability to safely interrupt higher fault currents. This variant is suitable for applications with elevated short-circuit current requirements while maintaining the same normal operating current protection.

Q: Which substitute offers the best compliance coverage for international markets?

A: The Eaton S506 series variants (BK/S506-160-R, BK1/S506-160-R, S506-160-R) and Littelfuse 218 series (0218.160HXP, 0218.160MXP) carry the broadest approval agency certifications including BSI, CCC, CSA, SEMKO, UR, and VDE. These certifications support deployment across North American, European, and Asian markets.

Q: Can I use these fuses in applications requiring RoHS compliance?

A: Yes. All substitute parts carry ROHS3 compliance certification except where noted as not applicable. The Eaton GDC-160MA primary part number does not specify RoHS status in available documentation. Verify specific RoHS requirements with your procurement or compliance department before final selection.

Q: What is the significance of DC cold resistance differences between manufacturers?

A: DC cold resistance (ranging from 1.27 to 2.55 Ohms) affects voltage drop across the fuse during normal operation. Lower resistance values (Eaton parts at 1.27 Ohms) result in minimal voltage drop, while higher values (Littelfuse and some SCHURTER parts) may introduce measurable voltage drop in low-voltage, high-current circuits. Evaluate against specific circuit design parameters.

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