Eaton MDA-5-R Ceramic Fuse Cartridge: Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Eaton MDA-5-R is a 5 A, 250 V AC ceramic fuse cartridge designed for 3AB and 3AG holder applications. This slow-blow fuse cartridge operates in the 1/4" x 1-1/4" form factor and is actively produced by Eaton - Electronics Division. Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical ratings, mechanical dimensions, and approval certifications align with the original specification, enabling direct replacement in compatible holder assemblies.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Current Rating	5 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
Product Status	Active
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the MDA-5-R is determined by the following criteria:

Primary Matching Parameters:

Current Rating: 5 A
Voltage Rating (AC): 250 V
Package / Case: 3AB, 3AG, 1/4" x 1-1/4"
Mounting Type: Requires Holder
Response Time: Slow Blow
Physical Dimensions: 0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (6.35mm x 31.75mm)

Secondary Compatibility Factors:

Fuse Type: Ceramic or Glass cartridge construction
Product Status: Active
Regulatory Compliance: CE, CSA, UL, or equivalent certifications

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Category 1: Direct Ceramic Equivalents – Parts with identical fuse type (ceramic), electrical ratings, and mechanical specifications. These include BK/MDA-5-R (Eaton), 0326005.HXP, 0326005.MXP, and 0326005.VXP (Littelfuse).

Category 2: Glass Cartridge Alternative – Part 0001.2531 (SCHURTER) operates at the same 5 A, 250 V AC rating with compatible 3AB/3AG holder mounting but uses glass construction instead of ceramic. This part includes DC voltage rating (63 V) not specified in the main part.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Fuse Type	Current (A)	Voltage AC (V)	Voltage DC (V)	Response Time	Package	Size (mm)	Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	Melting I²t	Approvals	Operating Temp	RoHS Status
MDA-5-R	Eaton	Ceramic	5	250	—	Slow Blow	3AB, 3AG	6.35 x 31.75	200 A	65	CE, CSA, UL	—	ROHS3
BK/MDA-5-R	Eaton	Ceramic	5	250	—	Slow Blow	3AB, 3AG	6.35 x 31.75	200 A	65	CE, CSA, UL	—	ROHS3
0326005.HXP	Littelfuse	Ceramic	5	250	—	Slow Blow	3AB, 3AG	6.35 x 31.75	400 A	25	CE, CSA, PSE, UL	-55 to 125°C	ROHS3
0326005.MXP	Littelfuse	Ceramic	5	250	—	Slow Blow	3AB, 3AG	6.35 x 31.75	400 A	25	CE, CSA, PSE, UL	-55 to 125°C	ROHS3
0326005.VXP	Littelfuse	Ceramic	5	250	—	Slow Blow	3AB, 3AG	6.35 x 31.75	400 A	25	CE, CSA, PSE, UL	-55 to 125°C	ROHS3
0001.2531	SCHURTER	Glass	5	250	63	Slow Blow	3AB, 3AG	6.35 x 31.80	1.5 kA AC, 20 kA DC	127	cURus	-40 to 85°C	ROHS3

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (Ceramic Cartridge):

BK/MDA-5-R (Eaton) is the primary direct equivalent, sharing identical electrical specifications, mechanical dimensions, and approval certifications with the MDA-5-R. Both parts are actively produced and ROHS3 compliant.

The Littelfuse 326 series parts (0326005.HXP, 0326005.MXP, 0326005.VXP) are ceramic cartridge substitutes with matching 5 A, 250 V AC ratings and 3AB/3AG holder compatibility. These parts feature higher breaking capacity (400 A versus 200 A) and extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 125°C). All three Littelfuse variants carry CE, CSA, PSE, and UL certifications and are ROHS3 compliant.

For Alternative Construction (Glass Cartridge):

The SCHURTER 0001.2531 is a glass fuse cartridge rated 5 A, 250 V AC with 63 V DC capability. It maintains 3AB/3AG holder compatibility and identical physical dimensions (within 0.02mm tolerance). This part carries cURus certification and operates across -40°C to 85°C. The glass construction and higher melting I²t (127 versus 65) represent functional differences from the ceramic MDA-5-R.

Compliance Basis:

All substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and carry active product status. Selection among ceramic equivalents depends on application requirements for breaking capacity and operating temperature range. The glass alternative (0001.2531) is suitable where DC voltage rating and higher thermal tolerance are required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BK/MDA-5-R replace MDA-5-R in all applications?

A: Yes. BK/MDA-5-R is manufactured by Eaton and shares identical electrical ratings (5 A, 250 V AC), fuse type (ceramic), response time (slow blow), mechanical dimensions (0.250" Dia x 1.250" L), and holder requirements (3AB, 3AG). Both parts carry CE, CSA, and UL certifications and are ROHS3 compliant.

Q: What is the difference between Littelfuse 0326005.HXP, 0326005.MXP, and 0326005.VXP?

A: All three Littelfuse parts are ceramic cartridge fuses with identical electrical specifications (5 A, 250 V AC), mechanical dimensions (6.35mm x 31.75mm), and holder compatibility (3AB, 3AG). The part number suffixes (HXP, MXP, VXP) indicate different packaging or internal construction variants within the 326 series, but electrical and mechanical parameters are equivalent.

Q: Can SCHURTER 0001.2531 replace MDA-5-R?

A: SCHURTER 0001.2531 is compatible with 3AB and 3AG holders and matches the 5 A, 250 V AC rating. However, it uses glass construction instead of ceramic and includes a 63 V DC rating not specified in the MDA-5-R. The melting I²t differs (127 versus 65), and operating temperature range is -40°C to 85°C. Substitution is valid where these differences do not conflict with application requirements.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. MDA-5-R, BK/MDA-5-R, all three Littelfuse 326 series parts (0326005.HXP, 0326005.MXP, 0326005.VXP), and SCHURTER 0001.2531 are ROHS3 compliant.

Q: What certifications do these fuses carry?

A: Eaton MDA-5-R and BK/MDA-5-R carry CE, CSA, and UL certifications. Littelfuse 326 series parts carry CE, CSA, PSE, and UL certifications. SCHURTER 0001.2531 carries cURus certification. All parts meet regulatory requirements for their respective markets.

Q: Do all substitute parts fit the same holder?

A: Yes. All parts listed are designed for 3AB and 3AG holder applications with 1/4" x 1-1/4" form factor. Physical dimensions are 0.250" Dia x 1.250" L (6.35mm x 31.75mm), with SCHURTER 0001.2531 at 6.35mm x 31.80mm (0.02mm longer), which remains within holder tolerance.

Q: What is the difference in breaking capacity between these fuses?

A: Eaton MDA-5-R and BK/MDA-5-R have 200 A breaking capacity at rated voltage. Littelfuse 326 series parts have 400 A breaking capacity. SCHURTER 0001.2531 has 1.5 kA AC and 20 kA DC breaking capacity. Higher breaking capacity indicates greater fault current handling capability.

Q: Which substitute offers the widest operating temperature range?

A: Littelfuse 326 series parts (0326005.HXP, 0326005.MXP, 0326005.VXP) operate from -55°C to 125°C. SCHURTER 0001.2531 operates from -40°C to 85°C. Eaton MDA-5-R and BK/MDA-5-R do not specify operating temperature limits.

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