MDA-3-R Ceramic Fuse Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MDA-3-R is a 3 A, 250 V AC ceramic cartridge fuse manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division. This slow-blow fuse is designed for applications requiring overcurrent protection in AC/DC circuits and operates within the 3AB and 3AG holder standards. The part maintains active product status with 882 pieces in current inventory.

Equivalent and substitute parts are identified to support procurement flexibility, inventory management, and supply chain continuity. Substitutes are selected based on matching electrical ratings, mechanical dimensions, and approval certifications.

Substiute Parts

MDA-3-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 969MDA-3-R Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

BK/MDA-3-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1236BK/MDA-3-R Datasheet

DirectRFQ

0326003.HXP

LittelfuseIn Stock: 7840326003.HXP Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

0326003.MXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 14480326003.MXP Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the MDA-3-R are classified into two categories based on parameter alignment:

Direct Manufacturer Equivalent (BK/MDA-3-R): This Eaton part shares identical electrical specifications with the main part, including 3 A current rating, 250 V AC voltage rating, slow-blow response, and 3AB/3AG package compatibility. All mechanical dimensions, resistance values, and approval certifications match exactly. This part is interchangeable without design or application modifications.

Parametric Equivalents (0326003.HXP, 0326003.MXP): These Littelfuse parts match the core electrical parameters: 3 A current rating, 250 V AC voltage rating, slow-blow response, and identical 3AB/3AG package dimensions. Both parts provide additional DC voltage rating (125 V DC) and extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 125°C). Breaking capacity specifications differ (100 A AC, 10 kA DC versus 200 A), and melting I²t values differ (200 versus 12.1). These parts are suitable for applications where the additional DC rating and temperature range provide operational benefits.

Substitution is determined by matching: current rating, AC voltage rating, fuse type, response time, package/case dimensions, and mounting requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement: BK/MDA-3-R is the primary equivalent, offering identical electrical and mechanical specifications with full interchangeability. Both parts carry CE, CSA, and UL certifications and maintain ROHS3 compliance. Selection between MDA-3-R and BK/MDA-3-R depends on inventory availability and procurement lead times.

For Extended Operating Conditions: The Littelfuse parts (0326003.HXP and 0326003.MXP) are suitable when applications require DC voltage protection (125 V DC rating) or extended temperature operation (-55°C to 125°C). These parts maintain 3 A, 250 V AC ratings and 3AB/3AG package compatibility. The additional certifications (K-MARK, PSE) support broader geographic compliance requirements.

Specification Considerations: The Littelfuse alternatives exhibit different breaking capacity (100 A AC, 10 kA DC) and melting I²t (200) compared to the Eaton parts (200 A, 12.1 I²t). These differences reflect different thermal and electrical performance characteristics and must be evaluated against specific circuit protection requirements.

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and are classified as REACH Unaffected, supporting environmental and regulatory requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BK/MDA-3-R replace MDA-3-R without circuit modifications?

A: Yes. BK/MDA-3-R is a direct equivalent with identical current rating (3 A), voltage rating (250 V AC), fuse type (ceramic cartridge), response time (slow-blow), and package dimensions (3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"). No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What are the key differences between Eaton and Littelfuse substitutes?

A: Eaton parts (MDA-3-R, BK/MDA-3-R) provide 200 A breaking capacity and 12.1 melting I²t. Littelfuse parts (0326003.HXP, 0326003.MXP) provide 100 A AC / 10 kA DC breaking capacity, 200 melting I²t, 125 V DC rating, and -55°C to 125°C operating temperature. Both maintain 3 A, 250 V AC ratings and identical package dimensions.

Q: Are the Littelfuse parts suitable for AC-only applications?

A: Yes. The Littelfuse parts (0326003.HXP, 0326003.MXP) are rated for 250 V AC operation and are compatible with 3AB and 3AG holders. The additional 125 V DC rating does not restrict AC-only use.

Q: Do all substitute parts fit the same holder?

A: Yes. All parts listed (MDA-3-R, BK/MDA-3-R, 0326003.HXP, 0326003.MXP) use the 3AB and 3AG package standard with identical dimensions: 1/4" diameter x 1-1/4" length (6.35mm x 31.75mm). Physical interchangeability is confirmed.

Q: Which certifications apply to each part?

A: MDA-3-R and BK/MDA-3-R carry CE, CSA, and UL certifications. Littelfuse parts (0326003.HXP, 0326003.MXP) carry CE, CSA, K-MARK, PSE, and UL certifications. All parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH Unaffected.

Q: What is the significance of melting I²t differences?

A: Melting I²t indicates thermal energy required to melt the fuse element. Eaton parts (12.1) respond faster to overcurrent than Littelfuse parts (200). Selection depends on circuit protection requirements and inrush current characteristics.

Q: Can I use 0326003.HXP and 0326003.MXP interchangeably?

A: Yes. Both Littelfuse parts share identical electrical ratings (3 A, 250 V AC, 125 V DC), fuse type, response time, package dimensions, and certifications. They are direct equivalents within the Littelfuse 326 series.