GSA 1.6 Ceramic Fuse Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The GSA 1.6 is a 1.6 A ceramic cartridge fuse rated for 250 V AC/DC operation, manufactured by Bel Fuse Inc. This component is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing system maintenance and new designs. The fuse requires a 3AB or 3AG holder and operates across a temperature range of -55°C to 125°C with slow-blow response characteristics.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Current Rating	1.6 A
Voltage Rating (AC)	250 V
Fuse Type	Cartridge, Ceramic
Response Time	Slow Blow
Package / Case	3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4" (6.35mm x 31.80mm)
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	100 A
Operating Temperature Range	-55°C ~ 125°C
Mounting Type	Requires Holder

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the GSA 1.6 is determined by the following critical parameters: current rating (1.6 A), AC voltage rating (250 V), fuse type (ceramic cartridge), response time (slow blow), and physical package dimensions. Substitute parts are grouped into three categories based on compatibility level:

Direct Manufacturer Substitute (GSA 1.6-R): Identical electrical specifications and package format. Differs only in product status (active vs. obsolete) and packaging configuration (bulk vs. standard).

Similar Manufacturer Substitute (0001.2506): Matches current rating, AC voltage, ceramic type, and slow-blow response. Differs in package format (5mm x 20mm vs. 3AB/3AG) and requires different holder hardware. Includes enhanced DC voltage rating (300 V DC) and higher breaking capacity (1.5 kA).

Parametric Equivalent (TCA-1.6A): Matches all critical electrical parameters and package dimensions. Manufactured by OptiFuse with identical current, voltage, response time, and physical form factor.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	GSA 1.6	GSA 1.6-R	0001.2506	TCA-1.6A
Manufacturer	Bel Fuse Inc.	Bel Fuse Inc.	SCHURTER Inc.	OptiFuse
Current Rating (Amps)	1.6 A	1.6 A	1.6 A	1.6 A
Voltage Rating - AC	250 V	250 V	250 V	250 V
Voltage Rating - DC	Not specified	Not specified	300 V	Not specified
Fuse Type	Cartridge, Ceramic	Cartridge, Ceramic	Cartridge, Ceramic	Cartridge, Ceramic
Response Time	Slow Blow	Slow Blow	Slow Blow	Slow Blow
Package / Case	3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4" (6.35mm x 31.80mm)	3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4" (6.35mm x 31.80mm)	5mm x 20mm	3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4" (6.35mm x 31.80mm)
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	100 A	100 A	1.5 kA	100 A
Operating Temperature Range	-55°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 125°C	-55°C ~ 125°C
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Approval Agency	CE, CSA, PSE, UL	CE, CSA, cULus, PSE	CCC, cURus, KC, PSE/JET, VDE	cULus, UL 248

Engineering Selection Recommendations

GSA 1.6-R (Direct Substitute): Select this part for direct replacement in existing designs. It maintains identical electrical and mechanical specifications while offering active product status and ROHS3 compliance. Holder compatibility is unchanged.

TCA-1.6A (Parametric Equivalent): Select this part for new designs or when GSA 1.6-R availability is limited. It provides identical package dimensions, electrical ratings, and holder compatibility. ROHS3 compliance and UL 248 certification support modern regulatory requirements.

0001.2506 (Similar Substitute): Select this part only when holder hardware can be changed to accommodate 5mm x 20mm format. This substitute offers higher breaking capacity (1.5 kA) and extended DC voltage rating (300 V), suitable for applications requiring enhanced fault protection. Holder replacement is mandatory.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can GSA 1.6-R be used as a direct replacement for GSA 1.6?

A: Yes. GSA 1.6-R maintains identical current rating (1.6 A), voltage rating (250 V AC), package format (3AB/3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"), and holder compatibility. The primary difference is product status (active vs. obsolete) and packaging configuration.

Q: What is the key difference between GSA 1.6-R and TCA-1.6A?

A: Both parts are electrically and mechanically identical. GSA 1.6-R is manufactured by Bel Fuse Inc., while TCA-1.6A is manufactured by OptiFuse. Both support 3AB/3AG holders and meet the same electrical specifications. Selection depends on supplier availability and certification requirements.

Q: Can 0001.2506 replace GSA 1.6 without modification?

A: No. The 0001.2506 uses a different package format (5mm x 20mm) and requires a different holder than the GSA 1.6 (3AB/3AG). Physical holder hardware must be changed. This substitute is suitable only when system redesign permits holder replacement.

Q: What are the compliance differences between these substitutes?

A: GSA 1.6 is RoHS non-compliant. GSA 1.6-R, TCA-1.6A, and 0001.2506 are all ROHS3 compliant. For applications requiring RoHS compliance, any of the three active substitutes are acceptable. Certification agencies vary by manufacturer; verify specific certifications against system requirements.

Q: Does 0001.2506 offer any performance advantages?

A: 0001.2506 provides higher breaking capacity (1.5 kA vs. 100 A) and extended DC voltage rating (300 V). These parameters apply only if the application requires higher fault protection levels. For standard 1.6 A, 250 V AC applications, these enhancements are not necessary.

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