PC06F500MA Equivalent & Substitute Parts Reference

Part Overview

The PC06F500MA is a 500 mA surface mount board mount fuse manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division, rated for 32 V AC and 32 V DC operation. This component belongs to the PolyCHIP™ PC06F series and features a fast blow response characteristic in 0603 (1608 Metric) package format.

The PC06F500MA is classified as obsolete product status. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production requirements for applications utilizing this fuse specification.

Substiute Parts

PC06F500MA

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 926PC06F500MA Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

TR/0603FA500-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 33113TR/0603FA500-R Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

0438.500WR

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1442720438.500WR Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the PC06F500MA are qualified based on the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Primary Matching Criteria:

• Current Rating: 500 mA (exact match required)
• Voltage Rating - AC: 32 V (exact match required)
• Package / Case: 0603 (1608 Metric) (exact match required)
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount (exact match required)
• Fuse Type: Board Mount (Cartridge Style Excluded) (exact match required)
• Response Time: Fast Blow (exact match required)

Secondary Compatibility Parameters:

• Voltage Rating - DC: Equal to or greater than 32 V DC
• Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage: Equal to or greater than 50A
• Approval Agency: UL certification or equivalent recognized standards (CSA, UL acceptable)

The substitute parts TR/0603FA500-R and 0438.500WR meet all primary matching criteria and exceed secondary compatibility parameters, making them electrically and mechanically interchangeable with the PC06F500MA in applications requiring 500 mA protection at 32 V AC / 32 V DC.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

TR/0603FA500-R (Eaton - Electronics Division):

This substitute part maintains manufacturer continuity with the original PC06F500MA, both sourced from Eaton - Electronics Division. The TR/0603FA500-R is classified as active product status, ensuring ongoing availability and supply chain support. It provides enhanced DC voltage rating (50 V DC versus 32 V DC), offering additional design margin for applications with voltage transients or future specification changes. The part carries dual certification (CSA and UL), expanded operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 125°C), and improved moisture sensitivity level (MSL 1 with unlimited shelf life). The higher DC cold resistance (1.025 Ohms) and increased melting I²t (0.00193) represent minor thermal characteristic variations within acceptable substitution parameters.

0438.500WR (Littelfuse Inc.):

This substitute part introduces manufacturer diversification, sourced from Littelfuse Inc., a recognized alternative supplier in the fuse component category. The 0438.500WR is classified as active product status with robust supply availability (144,200 pieces in stock). It delivers the highest DC voltage rating (63 V DC) among available substitutes, providing maximum design margin for overvoltage protection scenarios. The part meets dual certification requirements (CSA and UL), features the widest operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 150°C), and maintains MSL 1 rating with unlimited shelf life. RoHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status support environmental and regulatory requirements. The significantly higher melting I²t (0.01) and elevated DC cold resistance (0.829 Ohms) indicate different thermal response characteristics that remain compatible with 500 mA fast blow fuse applications.

Both substitute parts satisfy electrical and mechanical interchangeability requirements for the obsolete PC06F500MA in 32 V AC / 32 V DC circuit protection applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can TR/0603FA500-R be used as a direct replacement for PC06F500MA?

A: Yes. Both parts share identical current rating (500 mA), AC voltage rating (32 V), package format (0603 / 1608 Metric), mounting type (surface mount), and response time (fast blow). The TR/0603FA500-R exceeds the DC voltage requirement (50 V DC versus 32 V DC), making it electrically and mechanically compatible for direct substitution.

Q: What is the difference between PC06F500MA and 0438.500WR?

A: Both parts are functionally equivalent for 500 mA, 32 V AC circuit protection. Primary differences include manufacturer (Eaton versus Littelfuse), DC voltage rating (32 V versus 63 V), operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 125°C versus -55°C ~ 150°C), and thermal characteristics (melting I²t 0.00128 versus 0.01). The 0438.500WR provides higher voltage margin and wider temperature operation.

Q: Are there packaging differences between these substitute parts?

A: The PC06F500MA is specified with standard packaging. The TR/0603FA500-R is available in Cut Tape (CT) and Digi-Reel® formats. The 0438.500WR is supplied in Tape & Reel (TR) format. All three parts use identical 0603 (1608 Metric) package / case format, ensuring mechanical compatibility on PCB layouts.

Q: Why is the DC cold resistance different across these parts?

A: DC cold resistance variations (0.143 Ohms for PC06F500MA, 1.025 Ohms for TR/0603FA500-R, 0.829 Ohms for 0438.500WR) reflect different internal element designs while maintaining identical 500 mA current rating and fast blow response. These variations are within acceptable substitution parameters for board mount fuse applications.

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

A: Selection between TR/0603FA500-R and 0438.500WR depends on supply chain strategy and environmental requirements. TR/0603FA500-R maintains Eaton manufacturer continuity and offers balanced specifications. 0438.500WR provides maximum voltage margin (63 V DC), widest temperature range (-55°C ~ 150°C), and highest inventory availability (144,200 pieces). Both parts carry active product status and dual certifications (CSA, UL).

Q: Is the PC06F500MA still available for purchase?

A: The PC06F500MA is classified as obsolete product status. While 878 pieces are reported in current inventory, long-term availability cannot be assured. Transition to active substitute parts (TR/0603FA500-R or 0438.500WR) is recommended for ongoing production and future designs.

Q: Do these fuses require different PCB footprints?

A: No. All three parts use 0603 (1608 Metric) package format with identical PCB footprint requirements. Physical dimensions are comparable (PC06F500MA: 1.60mm x 0.81mm x 0.53mm; TR/0603FA500-R: 1.60mm x 0.81mm x 0.48mm; 0438.500WR: 1.54mm x 0.85mm x 0.50mm), ensuring direct board-level compatibility without layout modifications.