GMC-3-R Glass Cartridge Fuse 3A 250VAC 5x20mm Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The GMC-3-R is a 3 A 250 V AC/DC glass cartridge fuse manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division. This medium-blow fuse cartridge requires a holder for installation and is designed for 5mm x 20mm package applications. The part is currently active in production with 919 pieces in stock. Glass cartridge fuses serve as overcurrent protection devices in electrical circuits and equipment. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified to support procurement flexibility, inventory management, and supply chain continuity.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	GMC-3-R
Manufacturer	Eaton - Electronics Division
Current Rating	3 A
Voltage Rating - AC	250 V
Fuse Type	Cartridge, Glass
Response Time	Medium Blow
Package / Case	5mm x 20mm
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	100A
Melting I²t	19
DC Cold Resistance	0.026 Ohms
Product Status	Active
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the GMC-3-R are classified into two categories based on electrical and mechanical parameter alignment:

Direct Manufacturer Equivalents (Eaton - Electronics Division): Parts BK/GMC-3-R and BK1/GMC-3-R are direct variants from the same manufacturer. These parts match all critical parameters: 3 A current rating, 250 V AC voltage rating, medium-blow response time, 5mm x 20mm package, 100A breaking capacity, and 0.026 Ohms DC cold resistance. Approval agencies differ slightly (BK1/GMC-3-R excludes KC-MARK but includes KC).

Parametric Equivalents (Cross-Manufacturer): Parts from Littelfuse Inc. and OptiFuse are classified as parametric equivalents when they share the following critical parameters with GMC-3-R:

Current Rating: 3 A
Voltage Rating - AC: 250 V
Fuse Type: Cartridge, Glass
Package / Case: 5mm x 20mm
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage: 100A
Response Time: Medium Blow

Parts meeting these criteria include 0232003.MXP, 0234003.MXP, 0234003.MXBP, and MSC-3A.

Similar Parts (Voltage or Response Time Variation): Part 0233003.MXP operates at 125 V AC (lower voltage rating) and part 0239003.HXP features slow-blow response (versus medium-blow). These parts are listed as similar but not direct substitutes due to parameter deviations.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Current Rating (A)	Voltage Rating - AC (V)	Response Time	Package	Breaking Capacity (A)	Melting I²t	DC Cold Resistance (Ohms)	Product Status
GMC-3-R	Eaton	3	250	Medium Blow	5x20mm	100	19	0.026	Active
BK/GMC-3-R	Eaton	3	250	Medium Blow	5x20mm	100	19	0.026	Active
BK1/GMC-3-R	Eaton	3	250	Medium Blow	5x20mm	100	19	0.026	Active
0232003.MXP	Littelfuse	3	250	Medium Blow	5x20mm	100	17.19	0.0226	Active
0234003.MXP	Littelfuse	3	250	Medium Blow	5x20mm	100	26.24	0.0431	Active
0234003.MXBP	Littelfuse	3	250	Medium Blow	5x20mm	100	26.24	0.0431	Active
MSC-3A	OptiFuse	3	250	Medium Blow	5x20mm	100	15.5	Not Provided	Active
0233003.MXP	Littelfuse	3	125	Medium Blow	5x20mm	10000	26.24	0.0431	Active
0239003.HXP	Littelfuse	3	250	Slow Blow	5x20mm	100	129.51	0.04877	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Substitution (Eaton Variants): BK/GMC-3-R and BK1/GMC-3-R are direct substitutes for GMC-3-R. Both parts maintain identical electrical specifications and mechanical dimensions. BK/GMC-3-R includes CSA, KC-MARK, MITI, and UL approvals. BK1/GMC-3-R includes CSA, KC, MITI, and UL approvals. Selection between these variants depends on specific regulatory requirements for the application.

Cross-Manufacturer Parametric Equivalents: 0232003.MXP, 0234003.MXP, 0234003.MXBP, and MSC-3A are parametric equivalents meeting all critical electrical and mechanical parameters. These parts are suitable for applications where the GMC-3-R is unavailable. All parametric equivalents are ROHS3 compliant and active in production.

0232003.MXP (Littelfuse Series 232) features the lowest melting I²t value (17.19) among cross-manufacturer options and operates across -55°C to 125°C. Approval agencies include CE, KC, and PSE.

0234003.MXP and 0234003.MXBP (Littelfuse Series 234) feature identical melting I²t (26.24) and DC cold resistance (0.0431 Ohms). Both include CE, CSA, K-MARK, PSE, and UL approvals, providing comprehensive regulatory coverage.

MSC-3A (OptiFuse Series MSC) features the lowest melting I²t value (15.5) and includes cULus and UL 248 approvals. Operating temperature range is -55°C to 125°C.

Non-Equivalent Parts: 0233003.MXP operates at 125 V AC and is not suitable for 250 V AC applications. 0239003.HXP features slow-blow response (melting I²t 129.51) versus the medium-blow response of GMC-3-R (melting I²t 19) and is not suitable for direct substitution in applications requiring medium-blow characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BK/GMC-3-R and BK1/GMC-3-R be used interchangeably with GMC-3-R?

A: Yes. Both parts are direct variants from Eaton - Electronics Division with identical electrical and mechanical specifications. Selection depends on regulatory approval requirements for your specific application region.

Q: What is the difference between the Littelfuse parametric equivalents?

A: All Littelfuse parametric equivalents (0232003.MXP, 0234003.MXP, 0234003.MXBP) meet the critical parameters of GMC-3-R: 3 A, 250 V AC, medium-blow response, 5x20mm package, and 100A breaking capacity. Differences exist in melting I²t values and approval agencies. 0232003.MXP has the lowest melting I²t (17.19). 0234003.MXP and 0234003.MXBP have higher melting I²t (26.24) and broader regulatory approvals including CSA and UL.

Q: Is MSC-3A from OptiFuse a suitable substitute?

A: Yes. MSC-3A meets all critical electrical and mechanical parameters: 3 A, 250 V AC, medium-blow response, 5x20mm package, and 100A breaking capacity. It includes cULus and UL 248 approvals and operates across -55°C to 125°C.

Q: Why is 0233003.MXP listed but not recommended as a direct substitute?

A: 0233003.MXP operates at 125 V AC, which is lower than the 250 V AC rating of GMC-3-R. This voltage difference makes it unsuitable for applications designed for 250 V AC operation.

Q: What is the significance of melting I²t values in fuse selection?

A: Melting I²t indicates the thermal energy required to melt the fuse element. GMC-3-R has a melting I²t of 19. Parametric equivalents range from 15.5 to 26.24. These variations reflect different fuse element designs but do not prevent substitution when all other critical parameters match and the application tolerates the thermal characteristic variation.

Q: Can 0239003.HXP replace GMC-3-R?

A: No. Although 0239003.HXP matches current, voltage, package, and breaking capacity, it features slow-blow response (melting I²t 129.51) versus the medium-blow response of GMC-3-R (melting I²t 19). This response time difference makes it unsuitable for direct substitution.

Q: What mounting considerations apply to all these fuse cartridges?

A: All listed parts are cartridge-type fuses requiring a holder for installation. The 5mm x 20mm package dimension is consistent across all parts. Ensure the fuse holder is rated for the voltage and current specifications of the selected fuse.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. All listed substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant, meeting environmental and material restriction requirements.

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