GDC-50MA Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The GDC-50MA is a 50 mA, 250 V AC/DC slow blow glass fuse cartridge manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division. This component is designed for use in 5mm x 20mm fuse holders and requires a compatible holder for installation. The part is currently active in production with 737 pieces in stock. Glass cartridge fuses serve as overcurrent protection devices in electrical circuits and equipment. Substitute parts are identified based on matching electrical ratings, mechanical dimensions, response characteristics, and approval certifications to ensure functional equivalence in circuit protection applications.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Current Rating	50 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
Size / Dimension	0.205" Dia x 0.787" L (5.20mm x 20.00mm)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the GDC-50MA are qualified based on the following critical parameters:

Electrical Equivalence: Current rating of 50 mA, voltage rating of 250 V AC, and slow blow response time must match exactly.

Mechanical Compatibility: Package dimensions of 5mm x 20mm ensure physical fit in standard fuse holders.

Performance Characteristics: Breaking capacity of 35A at rated voltage and fuse type (cartridge, glass) must be identical.

Functional Requirements: All substitutes require a compatible fuse holder for installation, matching the mounting type of the main part.

Parts meeting these criteria are considered parametric equivalents and can be used interchangeably in applications designed for the GDC-50MA.

Parameter Comparison

Manufacturer Part Number	Manufacturer	Current Rating (Amps)	Voltage Rating - AC	Response Time	Package / Case	Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	Fuse Type	Mounting Type	Product Status
GDC-50MA	Eaton - Electronics Division	50 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Cartridge, Glass	Requires Holder	Active
BK/S506-50-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	50 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Cartridge, Glass	Requires Holder	Active
BK1/S506-50-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	50 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Cartridge, Glass	Requires Holder	Active
S506-50-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	50 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Cartridge, Glass	Requires Holder	Active
0034.3104	SCHURTER Inc.	50 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Cartridge, Glass	Requires Holder	Active
0034.5604.11	SCHURTER Inc.	50 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Cartridge, Glass	Requires Holder	Active
0218.050HXP	Littelfuse Inc.	50 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Cartridge, Glass	Requires Holder	Active
0218.050MXP	Littelfuse Inc.	50 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Cartridge, Glass	Requires Holder	Active
TSD-50MA	OptiFuse	50 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5mm x 20mm	35A	Cartridge, Glass	Requires Holder	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All listed substitute parts are active products with equivalent electrical and mechanical specifications to the GDC-50MA. Selection among these alternatives should be based on the following factors:

Certification Coverage: The Eaton S506 series (BK/S506-50-R, BK1/S506-50-R, S506-50-R) provides the broadest approval agency coverage including BSI, CCC, CSA, IMQ, SEMKO, UR, and VDE. The Littelfuse 218 series (0218.050HXP, 0218.050MXP) offers CCC, CE, CSA, K-MARK, SEMKO, UL, and VDE certifications. SCHURTER parts (0034.3104, 0034.5604.11) carry CCC, cURus, and VDE approvals.

Compliance Status: All substitute parts are RoHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements.

Inventory Availability: The 0218.050MXP (Littelfuse) has the highest inventory level at 16,110 pieces, followed by BK1/S506-50-R (Eaton) at 2,038 pieces and 0034.3104 (SCHURTER) at 2,335 pieces.

Operating Temperature Range: SCHURTER and Littelfuse parts are rated for -55°C to 125°C operation, while Eaton GDC and S506 series do not specify an operating temperature range. OptiFuse TSD-50MA is also rated -55°C to 125°C.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use any of these substitute parts directly in place of the GDC-50MA?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts meet the critical electrical parameters (50 mA, 250 V AC, slow blow response) and mechanical dimensions (5mm x 20mm). They are designed for use in standard 5mm x 20mm fuse holders and provide equivalent circuit protection.

Q: What is the significance of the 5mm x 20mm package dimension?

A: This dimension specifies the physical size of the fuse cartridge and ensures compatibility with standard IEC 60127 fuse holders. All substitute parts share this dimension with the GDC-50MA, guaranteeing mechanical fit.

Q: Are there differences in approval certifications between the substitute parts?

A: Yes. Different manufacturers hold different certifications. Eaton S506 series holds the most comprehensive set including UR and SEMKO. Littelfuse 218 series includes UL certification. SCHURTER parts include cURus. The GDC-50MA carries cURus and IMQ approvals. Selection should align with the certification requirements of your application or end-use market.

Q: What does "slow blow" response time mean?

A: Slow blow fuses tolerate temporary current surges and inrush currents without opening the circuit. They open only when sustained overcurrent conditions occur. All listed parts share this characteristic, making them suitable for applications requiring this protection behavior.

Q: Do all substitute parts require a fuse holder?

A: Yes. All parts listed, including the GDC-50MA, are cartridge-type fuses that require a compatible 5mm x 20mm fuse holder for installation. They cannot be used without a holder.

Q: What is the breaking capacity specification?

A: Breaking capacity of 35A at rated voltage indicates the maximum fault current the fuse can safely interrupt without rupturing or creating a hazard. All substitute parts share this 35A breaking capacity with the GDC-50MA.

Q: Are there any differences in DC cold resistance between parts?

A: Yes. The GDC-50MA and Eaton S506 series specify 9.24 Ohms DC cold resistance. Littelfuse 218 series parts specify 23.3 Ohms. SCHURTER parts do not specify this parameter. These differences do not affect substitutability for standard circuit protection applications.

Q: Which substitute part has the best inventory availability?

A: The Littelfuse 0218.050MXP has the highest stock level at 16,110 pieces, making it readily available for immediate procurement.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message