GSA 3 Ceramic Fuse Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The GSA 3 is a 3 A, 250 V AC ceramic cartridge fuse manufactured by Bel Fuse Inc. with slow-blow response characteristics. This fuse is designed for 3AB and 3AG holder applications and requires an external fuse holder for installation. The main part GSA 3 carries an obsolete product status, making identification of active equivalent and substitute parts essential for ongoing system maintenance and component procurement.

Substiute Parts

GSA 3

Bel Fuse Inc.In Stock: 737GSA 3 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

GSA 3-R

Bel Fuse Inc.In Stock: 1351GSA 3-R Datasheet

DirectRFQ

0326003.MXCCP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 8850326003.MXCCP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

0326003.VXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 7560326003.VXP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

TCA-3A

OptiFuseIn Stock: 3618TCA-3A Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the GSA 3 is determined by strict alignment of electrical and mechanical parameters. The following criteria must be met for valid substitution:

• Current Rating: 3 A (exact match required)
• Voltage Rating (AC): 250 V (exact match required)
• Fuse Type: Cartridge, Ceramic (exact match required)
• Response Time: Slow Blow (exact match required)
• Package / Case: 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4" (exact match required)
• Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage: 100 A minimum (at AC)
• Operating Temperature Range: -55°C ~ 125°C (minimum coverage required)

Substitute parts are grouped into three categories based on their relationship to the main part:

Direct Manufacturer Substitute: GSA 3-R (Bel Fuse Inc.) — Same manufacturer, identical electrical and mechanical specifications, active product status.

Similar Manufacturer Substitutes: 0326003.MXCCP and 0326003.VXP (Littelfuse Inc.) — Different manufacturer, identical core electrical parameters, extended DC voltage rating (125 V DC), higher breaking capacity for DC applications (10 kA DC), active product status.

Parametric Equivalent: TCA-3A (OptiFuse) — Different manufacturer, matching all critical electrical and mechanical parameters, active product status.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

GSA 3-R (Bel Fuse Inc.) is the primary direct substitute. It maintains identical electrical and mechanical specifications while offering active product status and ROHS3 compliance. This part is sourced from the original manufacturer and is the preferred choice for direct replacement in existing designs.

0326003.MXCCP and 0326003.VXP (Littelfuse Inc.) are suitable substitutes for applications requiring extended DC voltage capability (125 V DC) and higher DC breaking capacity (10 kA DC). These parts are appropriate when the circuit includes DC components or when enhanced DC performance margins are required. Both parts maintain AC specifications identical to the GSA 3 and carry active product status with ROHS3 compliance.

TCA-3A (OptiFuse) is a parametric equivalent suitable for applications where AC-only operation is confirmed. This part matches all critical electrical and mechanical parameters and carries active product status with ROHS3 compliance. It is appropriate for cost-optimized procurement when manufacturer flexibility is acceptable.

All substitute parts carry appropriate regulatory certifications (CE, CSA, UL, PSE) and operate within the required temperature range of -55°C to 125°C.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can GSA 3-R be used as a direct replacement for GSA 3?

A: Yes. GSA 3-R is manufactured by the same company (Bel Fuse Inc.) and maintains identical electrical ratings (3 A, 250 V AC), fuse type (ceramic cartridge), response time (slow blow), and mechanical package (3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"). The primary difference is product status: GSA 3-R is active while GSA 3 is obsolete.

Q: What is the difference between GSA 3-R and the Littelfuse substitutes (0326003.MXCCP, 0326003.VXP)?

A: GSA 3-R and the Littelfuse parts share identical AC electrical specifications. The Littelfuse parts add DC voltage rating (125 V DC) and higher DC breaking capacity (10 kA DC), making them suitable for circuits with DC components. For AC-only applications, GSA 3-R is the simpler choice.

Q: Are there any dimensional differences between substitute parts?

A: GSA 3-R and TCA-3A maintain the exact dimension of 0.250" Dia x 1.252" L. The Littelfuse parts (0326003.MXCCP, 0326003.VXP) have a slightly shorter length of 0.250" Dia x 1.250" L. Both dimensions are compatible with 3AB and 3AG holders.

Q: Which substitute part should I choose for a new design?

A: For new designs, GSA 3-R is recommended as the primary choice due to manufacturer continuity and identical specifications. If DC voltage capability is required, select 0326003.MXCCP or 0326003.VXP. TCA-3A is suitable when cost optimization and manufacturer flexibility are acceptable.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. GSA 3-R, 0326003.MXCCP, 0326003.VXP, and TCA-3A are all ROHS3 compliant. The original GSA 3 is RoHS non-compliant.

Q: What certifications do the substitute parts carry?

A: All substitute parts carry CE, CSA, and PSE certifications. GSA 3-R adds cURus certification. The Littelfuse parts (0326003.MXCCP, 0326003.VXP) and TCA-3A carry UL certification. All parts meet the regulatory requirements for their respective applications.