GDC-500MA Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The GDC-500MA is a 500 mA, 250 V AC/DC slow-blow glass cartridge fuse in 5mm x 20mm package format manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division. This component requires a fuse holder for installation and is classified as Active product status. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified based on matching electrical ratings, mechanical dimensions, response characteristics, and approval certifications to ensure direct functional interchangeability in circuit protection applications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Current Rating	500 mA
Voltage Rating (AC)	250 V
Fuse Type	Cartridge, Glass
Response Time	Slow Blow
Package / Case	5mm x 20mm
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	35A
Mounting Type	Requires Holder
Size / Dimension	0.205" Dia x 0.787" L (5.20mm x 20.00mm)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the GDC-500MA is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Primary Matching Criteria:

Current Rating: 500 mA (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: Slow Blow (exact match required)
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage: 35A (exact match required)
Mounting Type: Requires Holder (exact match required)

All substitute parts listed below meet these primary criteria. Secondary parameters such as melting I²t, DC cold resistance, and approval agencies are documented for engineering reference but do not disqualify substitution when primary criteria are satisfied.

Parameter Comparison

Manufacturer Part Number	Manufacturer	Series	Current Rating (Amps)	Voltage Rating (AC)	Response Time	Package / Case	Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	Melting I²t	DC Cold Resistance (Ohms)	Approval Agency
GDC-500MA	Eaton - Electronics Division	GDC	500 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	0.827	0.183	cURus, IMQ
BK/GDC-500MA	Eaton - Electronics Division	GDC	500 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	0.827	0.183	cULus, IMQ
BK/GMD-500-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	GMD	500 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	1.4	1.0645	CSA, UL
BK/S506-500-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	S506	500 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	0.827	0.183	BSI, CCC, CSA, cULus, IMQ, SEMKO, VDE
GMD-500-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	GMD	500 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	1.4	1.0645	CSA, UL
S506-500-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	S506	500 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	0.827	0.183	BSI, CCC, CSA, cULus, IMQ, SEMKO, VDE
0034.3114	SCHURTER Inc.	FST 5x20	500 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	3	Not specified	CCC, cURus, VDE
0034.5040	SCHURTER Inc.	FTT 5x20	500 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	7.9	Not specified	cURus
0034.5614.11	SCHURTER Inc.	SMD-FST	500 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	3	Not specified	cURus, VDE
0218.500HXP	Littelfuse Inc.	218	500 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	2.825	0.37	CCC, CE, CSA, K-MARK, SEMKO, UL, VDE
0218.500MXP	Littelfuse Inc.	218	500 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	2.825	0.37	CCC, CE, CSA, K-MARK, SEMKO, UL, VDE

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All listed substitute parts satisfy the primary electrical and mechanical matching criteria for direct interchangeability with the GDC-500MA. Selection among equivalent parts should be based on the following factors:

Eaton GDC Series (BK/GDC-500MA): Identical electrical characteristics and DC cold resistance to the main part. Approval agencies include cULus and IMQ. Suitable for applications requiring exact parameter matching within the Eaton product line.

Eaton GMD Series (BK/GMD-500-R, GMD-500-R): Functionally equivalent with higher melting I²t (1.4 versus 0.827) and elevated DC cold resistance (1.0645 Ohms versus 0.183 Ohms). Approved by CSA and UL. These characteristics may affect thermal response in specific circuit designs.

Eaton S506 Series (BK/S506-500-R, S506-500-R): Identical electrical characteristics and DC cold resistance to the main part. Broader approval agency coverage including BSI, CCC, CSA, cULus, IMQ, SEMKO, and VDE. Suitable for applications requiring extended international compliance certifications.

SCHURTER FST 5x20 (0034.3114): Equivalent electrical ratings with melting I²t of 3. Operating temperature range -55°C to 125°C. Approved by CCC, cURus, and VDE. High inventory availability (12,470 pcs).

SCHURTER FTT 5x20 (0034.5040): Equivalent electrical ratings with elevated melting I²t of 7.9. Operating temperature range -40°C to 85°C. Approved by cURus. Lower inventory availability (1,105 pcs).

SCHURTER SMD-FST (0034.5614.11): Equivalent electrical ratings with melting I²t of 3. Operating temperature range -55°C to 125°C. Approved by cURus and VDE. Moderate inventory availability (1,819 pcs).

Littelfuse 218 Series (0218.500HXP, 0218.500MXP): Equivalent electrical ratings with melting I²t of 2.825 and DC cold resistance of 0.37 Ohms. Operating temperature range -55°C to 125°C. Comprehensive approval agency coverage including CCC, CE, CSA, K-MARK, SEMKO, UL, and VDE. High inventory availability (4,644 and 15,465 pcs respectively).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BK/GMD-500-R be used as a direct replacement for GDC-500MA?

A: Yes. Both parts meet all primary matching criteria: 500 mA current rating, 250 V AC voltage rating, 5mm x 20mm package, slow-blow response, and 35A breaking capacity. The GMD series exhibits different secondary characteristics (melting I²t of 1.4 and DC cold resistance of 1.0645 Ohms compared to 0.827 and 0.183 Ohms respectively), which may affect thermal response timing in specific circuit applications but do not prevent functional substitution.

Q: What is the difference between Littelfuse 0218.500HXP and 0218.500MXP?

A: Both parts are electrically and mechanically identical with matching current ratings, voltage ratings, package dimensions, and breaking capacity. Both are approved by the same agencies and operate across the same temperature range (-55°C to 125°C). The primary difference is inventory availability: 0218.500HXP has 4,644 pcs in stock while 0218.500MXP has 15,465 pcs in stock.

Q: Are SCHURTER parts suitable replacements for Eaton GDC-500MA?

A: Yes. SCHURTER FST 5x20 (0034.3114), FTT 5x20 (0034.5040), and SMD-FST (0034.5614.11) all meet the primary matching criteria. SCHURTER parts are approved by cURus and/or VDE. The FST and SMD-FST variants have melting I²t of 3 with operating temperature range -55°C to 125°C. The FTT variant has melting I²t of 7.9 with operating temperature range -40°C to 85°C.

Q: What does "Requires Holder" mean for mounting type?

A: All listed parts are cartridge fuses that require a separate fuse holder for installation. The fuse itself does not mount directly to a PCB or chassis. A compatible 5mm x 20mm fuse holder must be used for all substitute parts.

Q: Which substitute part has the broadest international approval coverage?

A: Littelfuse 0218.500MXP and 0218.500HXP both carry approval from CCC, CE, CSA, K-MARK, SEMKO, UL, and VDE. Eaton S506-500-R and BK/S506-500-R also provide broad coverage with BSI, CCC, CSA, cULus, IMQ, SEMKO, and VDE approvals.

Q: Does DC cold resistance affect substitution compatibility?

A: DC cold resistance is a secondary parameter that does not disqualify substitution when primary criteria are met. However, it may influence circuit behavior in applications with specific impedance requirements. GDC-500MA and S506 series have 0.183 Ohms, GMD series have 1.0645 Ohms, and Littelfuse 218 series have 0.37 Ohms.

Q: Can I substitute based on melting I²t alone?

A: No. Melting I²t is a secondary characteristic. Substitution requires matching all primary parameters: current rating, voltage rating, package dimensions, fuse type, response time, breaking capacity, and mounting type. Melting I²t variations among qualified substitutes reflect different thermal response profiles but do not prevent functional interchangeability when primary criteria are satisfied.

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