MDA-4-R Ceramic Fuse Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MDA-4-R is a 4 A, 250 V AC/DC ceramic cartridge fuse manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division. This slow-blow fuse is designed for applications requiring circuit protection in 3AB and 3AG holder configurations with dimensions of 1/4" x 1-1/4" (6.35mm x 31.75mm). The part maintains active product status with 759 units in current inventory. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified to support procurement flexibility, supply chain continuity, and application-specific requirements while maintaining electrical and mechanical compatibility.

Substiute Parts

MDA-4-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 806MDA-4-R Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

BK/MDA-4-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1593BK/MDA-4-R Datasheet

DirectRFQ

0326004.HXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 27000326004.HXP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

0326004.MXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 21210326004.MXP Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

• Current Rating: 4 A
• Voltage Rating (AC): 250 V
• Fuse Type: Cartridge, Ceramic
• Response Time: Slow Blow
• Package / Case: 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"
• Size / Dimension: 0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (6.35mm x 31.75mm)
• Mounting Type: Requires Holder

All identified substitute parts meet these mandatory parameters. Variations in secondary parameters such as breaking capacity, melting I²t, DC cold resistance, and operating temperature range do not preclude substitution when the mandatory parameters align.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

BK/MDA-4-R (Eaton - Electronics Division): This part is a direct manufacturer equivalent to the MDA-4-R, sharing identical electrical specifications, breaking capacity, melting I²t, and DC cold resistance. Both parts carry CE, CSA, and UL certifications and maintain ROHS3 compliance. Selection of BK/MDA-4-R is appropriate when Eaton sourcing is required or when inventory availability of the primary MDA-4-R designation is constrained. Current inventory of 1498 units supports immediate procurement.

0326004.HXP (Littelfuse Inc.): This substitute meets all mandatory electrical and mechanical parameters. The part features higher breaking capacity (400A versus 200A) and lower melting I²t (9.71 versus 37.2), indicating faster response characteristics under fault conditions. Operating temperature range of -55°C to 125°C extends environmental capability. Certifications include CE, CSA, PSE, and UR. Selection is appropriate for applications requiring enhanced breaking capacity or extended temperature operation. Inventory of 2592 units is available.

0326004.MXP (Littelfuse Inc.): This parametric equivalent maintains all mandatory specifications identical to 0326004.HXP. The part includes UL certification in addition to CE, CSA, and PSE approvals, providing broader regulatory coverage. Melting I²t and breaking capacity characteristics match the HXP variant. Operating temperature range is -55°C to 125°C. Inventory of 2100 units supports procurement. Selection is appropriate when UL certification is a specific requirement.

All substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, ensuring regulatory alignment with the primary part.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BK/MDA-4-R be used as a direct replacement for MDA-4-R?

A: Yes. BK/MDA-4-R is a direct manufacturer equivalent produced by Eaton - Electronics Division. All electrical parameters, mechanical dimensions, and certifications are identical. The parts are interchangeable in all applications.

Q: What is the difference between the Eaton MDA-4-R and Littelfuse 0326004 series substitutes?

A: The Littelfuse 0326004.HXP and 0326004.MXP parts match all mandatory electrical and mechanical parameters. Differences exist in breaking capacity (400A versus 200A), melting I²t (9.71 versus 37.2), and DC cold resistance (0.0761 versus 0.031 Ohms). The Littelfuse parts also provide extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 125°C). These differences do not affect substitution eligibility when mandatory parameters align.

Q: Are the Littelfuse 0326004.HXP and 0326004.MXP parts interchangeable?

A: Yes. Both Littelfuse parts share identical electrical specifications, mechanical dimensions, and operating characteristics. The primary difference is certification coverage: 0326004.HXP carries CE, CSA, PSE, and UR approvals, while 0326004.MXP carries CE, CSA, PSE, and UL approvals. Selection between them depends on specific regulatory requirements.

Q: Do all substitute parts fit in 3AB and 3AG holders?

A: Yes. All parts listed maintain the 3AB, 3AG package designation and identical physical dimensions of 0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (6.35mm x 31.75mm). Mechanical compatibility with standard 3AB and 3AG fuse holders is confirmed for all substitutes.

Q: What certifications apply to each part?

A: MDA-4-R and BK/MDA-4-R carry CE, CSA, and UL certifications. 0326004.HXP carries CE, CSA, PSE, and UR certifications. 0326004.MXP carries CE, CSA, PSE, and UL certifications. All parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected.

Q: Can I use a Littelfuse substitute in an application originally designed for Eaton MDA-4-R?

A: Yes, provided the application requirements align with the substitute's specifications. All mandatory parameters (current rating, voltage rating, fuse type, response time, package, and dimensions) are identical. Applications requiring specific breaking capacity, melting I²t characteristics, or temperature range should reference the parameter comparison table to confirm suitability.

Q: What is the significance of the different melting I²t values?

A: Melting I²t indicates the thermal energy required to melt the fuse element. The Eaton parts (MDA-4-R, BK/MDA-4-R) have melting I²t of 37.2, while Littelfuse parts (0326004.HXP, 0326004.MXP) have melting I²t of 9.71. Lower I²t values indicate faster response to overcurrent conditions. Selection should align with circuit protection requirements.

Q: Are all parts suitable for both AC and DC applications?

A: All parts are rated for 250 V AC/DC operation. The voltage rating applies to both alternating and direct current applications at the specified voltage level.