GSA 500 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The GSA 500 is a 500 mA ceramic cartridge fuse rated for 250 V AC, 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 GSA 500 requires a 3AB or 3AG fuse holder and is designed for slow-blow applications with a breaking capacity of 35 A at rated voltage. Identifying compatible substitutes ensures continuity of supply while maintaining electrical and mechanical compatibility.

Substiute Parts

GSA 500

Bel Fuse Inc.In Stock: 766GSA 500 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

GSA 500-R

Bel Fuse Inc.In Stock: 1840GSA 500-R Datasheet

DirectRFQ

0326.500HXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 14090326.500HXP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

TCA-500MA

OptiFuseIn Stock: 7344TCA-500MA Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution for the GSA 500 is determined by strict alignment of electrical and mechanical parameters. All substitute parts must match the following criteria:

• Current Rating: 500 mA
• Voltage Rating (AC): 250 V
• Fuse Type: Cartridge, Ceramic
• Response Time: Slow Blow
• Package / Case: 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"
• Mounting Type: Requires Holder
• Operating Temperature Range: -55°C ~ 125°C

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

Direct Manufacturer Substitute: GSA 500-R (Bel Fuse Inc.) — identical electrical and mechanical specifications with active product status and improved RoHS compliance.

Similar Manufacturer Substitute: 0326.500HXP (Littelfuse Inc.) — matches core electrical parameters with additional DC voltage rating (125 V DC) and enhanced breaking capacity specifications.

Parametric Equivalent: TCA-500MA (OptiFuse) — meets all primary electrical and mechanical requirements with active product status and full RoHS3 compliance.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

GSA 500-R is the primary direct substitute for the GSA 500. Both parts are manufactured by Bel Fuse Inc. and share identical electrical and mechanical specifications. GSA 500-R holds active product status, ensuring long-term availability, and meets ROHS3 compliance requirements. The DC cold resistance is marginally lower (1.38 Ohms vs. 1.5 Ohms), which is within acceptable tolerance for this component class. This substitute is recommended for applications requiring direct compatibility with existing designs.

0326.500HXP (Littelfuse Inc.) is a compatible substitute with enhanced performance characteristics. It provides the same 500 mA current rating and 250 V AC voltage rating required for the GSA 500. The additional 125 V DC rating and increased breaking capacity (100 A AC, 10 kA DC) make this part suitable for applications with mixed AC/DC requirements. The dimensional tolerance (0.250" Dia x 1.250" L vs. 0.250" Dia x 1.252" L) is negligible for holder compatibility. This substitute is appropriate when enhanced breaking capacity is beneficial.

TCA-500MA (OptiFuse) meets all primary electrical and mechanical requirements of the GSA 500. It maintains the 500 mA current rating, 250 V AC voltage rating, and identical package dimensions. TCA-500MA holds active product status with ROHS3 compliance and carries UL 248 certification. This substitute is suitable for applications where multi-source qualification is required.

All three substitutes are compatible with 3AB and 3AG fuse holders and operate within the -55°C to 125°C temperature range specified for the GSA 500.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can GSA 500-R be used as a direct replacement for GSA 500?

A: Yes. GSA 500-R is manufactured by the same company (Bel Fuse Inc.) and shares identical electrical and mechanical specifications with the GSA 500. Both are rated for 500 mA at 250 V AC, use the same 3AB/3AG package, and operate across the same temperature range. GSA 500-R is the recommended substitute due to its active product status.

Q: What is the difference between GSA 500 and 0326.500HXP?

A: Both parts are 500 mA ceramic cartridge fuses rated for 250 V AC with slow-blow response. The primary differences are manufacturer (Bel Fuse Inc. vs. Littelfuse Inc.) and enhanced specifications in the 0326.500HXP. The Littelfuse part adds a 125 V DC rating and provides higher breaking capacity (100 A AC, 10 kA DC vs. 35 A). Dimensional tolerance is negligible (0.002" difference in length). The 0326.500HXP is suitable for applications requiring DC voltage capability.

Q: Are all substitute parts compatible with existing 3AB and 3AG fuse holders?

A: Yes. All substitute parts listed maintain the 3AB and 3AG package specification and 1/4" x 1-1/4" form factor. Dimensional variations are within acceptable tolerance for holder compatibility. All parts are designed for the same mounting type (requires holder).

Q: Which substitute has the best compliance status?

A: GSA 500-R, 0326.500HXP, and TCA-500MA all meet ROHS3 compliance requirements. The GSA 500 (original part) is RoHS non-compliant. For new designs or systems requiring RoHS compliance, any of the three active substitutes are appropriate.

Q: Can TCA-500MA replace GSA 500 in all applications?

A: TCA-500MA meets the core electrical and mechanical requirements of the GSA 500 (500 mA, 250 V AC, slow-blow, 3AB/3AG package, -55°C to 125°C operation). It is suitable for applications where these parameters are the primary selection criteria. Verify that OptiFuse certification (cULus, UL 248) meets your system's regulatory requirements.

Q: What does "slow-blow" response time mean for these fuses?

A: Slow-blow (also called time-delay) fuses tolerate temporary current surges without opening. All listed parts share this characteristic, allowing them to withstand inrush currents typical in motor startup or transformer energization while still protecting against sustained overcurrent conditions.

Q: Is the melting I²t value important for substitution?

A: Melting I²t indicates the thermal energy required to melt the fuse element. GSA 500 and GSA 500-R both have a melting I²t of 4.4, while 0326.500HXP has 2.5. Lower I²t values indicate faster response to overcurrent. For direct replacement in existing designs, GSA 500-R is preferred due to matching I²t. If enhanced protection is desired, 0326.500HXP's lower I²t may be beneficial.