GSA 500-R Ceramic Fuse Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The GSA 500-R is a 500 mA ceramic cartridge fuse rated for 250 V AC operation, manufactured by Bel Fuse Inc. This slow-blow fuse is designed for applications requiring circuit protection in the 500 mA range with standard 3AB/3AG holder compatibility. The part maintains active product status with full compliance to CE, CSA, and cULus standards. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified for applications where alternative sourcing, inventory availability, or specific voltage rating requirements necessitate component substitution while maintaining electrical and mechanical compatibility.

Substiute Parts

GSA 500-R

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

Current PartRFQ

0326.500MXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 19400326.500MXP 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 eligibility for the GSA 500-R is determined by the following mandatory parameters:

• Current Rating: 500 mA (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)
• Operating Temperature Range: -55°C ~ 125°C (minimum requirement)
• RoHS Compliance: ROHS3 Compliant (required)

Substitute parts are classified into two categories:

Direct Manufacturer Substitutes: Parts meeting all mandatory parameters with identical electrical and mechanical specifications, including DC voltage ratings where applicable.

Parametric Equivalents: Parts meeting all mandatory parameters with equivalent performance characteristics and holder compatibility, suitable for direct replacement in circuit protection applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All substitute parts listed maintain active product status and full RoHS3 compliance, ensuring regulatory alignment with the GSA 500-R. Selection between substitute options should be based on the following criteria:

For AC-only applications: The GSA 500-R and TCA-500MA are suitable where DC voltage rating is not a circuit requirement. Both parts carry equivalent AC voltage ratings of 250 V and identical current specifications.

For AC/DC dual-voltage applications: The 0326.500MXP and 0326.500HXP from Littelfuse provide explicit 125 V DC rating in addition to 250 V AC operation, offering expanded application flexibility. These parts are functionally identical to each other and differ only in manufacturing designation.

For breaking capacity requirements: The Littelfuse 326 series (0326.500MXP and 0326.500HXP) provide higher breaking capacity ratings of 100A AC and 10kA DC compared to the GSA 500-R at 35A. The TCA-500MA provides 100A breaking capacity. Applications requiring higher fault current interruption should prioritize these options.

For certification scope: All parts carry CE and CSA approvals. The GSA 500-R and TCA-500MA carry cULus certification, while Littelfuse parts carry UL certification. Verify certification requirements against specific application standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 0326.500MXP and 0326.500HXP be used interchangeably with the GSA 500-R?

A: Yes, both Littelfuse parts meet all mandatory substitution parameters: 500 mA current rating, 250 V AC voltage rating, ceramic cartridge type, slow-blow response, and 3AB/3AG package compatibility. The primary difference is the addition of 125 V DC rating, which provides expanded application scope without affecting AC circuit protection performance.

Q: What is the significance of the breaking capacity difference between the GSA 500-R (35A) and substitute parts (100A or higher)?

A: Breaking capacity indicates the maximum fault current the fuse can safely interrupt at rated voltage. Higher breaking capacity provides greater protection margin in circuits with higher available fault currents. Selection should match the circuit's maximum available fault current to ensure safe fuse operation.

Q: Are the dimensional differences between GSA 500-R (1.252" L) and Littelfuse parts (1.250" L) significant for holder compatibility?

A: Both dimensions fall within the 3AB/3AG standard specification of 1/4" x 1-1/4". The 0.002" difference is within manufacturing tolerance and does not affect holder compatibility or mechanical fit.

Q: Which substitute part should be selected for new designs?

A: All substitute parts carry active product status and full compliance certifications. Selection should be based on specific application requirements: DC voltage rating needs, breaking capacity requirements, and preferred manufacturer certification (cULus versus UL).

Q: Can these fuses be used in DC-only applications?

A: The GSA 500-R and TCA-500MA specifications do not explicitly state DC voltage ratings. The 0326.500MXP and 0326.500HXP are rated for 125 V DC operation and are suitable for DC applications within this voltage limit. Verify DC application requirements against part specifications before selection.