Equivalent & Substitute Parts for S501-1.6-R Ceramic Fuse

Part Overview

The S501-1.6-R is a 1.6 A ceramic cartridge fuse manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division, rated for 250 V AC/DC operation in a 5mm x 20mm package form factor. This fuse is designed for fast-blow response and requires a compatible holder for installation. The product maintains active status with 833 pieces in current inventory. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified to provide design flexibility, supply chain alternatives, and component availability options for applications requiring identical electrical and mechanical specifications.

Substiute Parts

S501-1.6-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 880S501-1.6-R Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

GDA-1.6A

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 984GDA-1.6A Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

021601.6MXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1876021601.6MXP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

0001.1006

SCHURTER Inc.In Stock: 13040001.1006 Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

021601.6HXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 1197021601.6HXP Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

FCD-1.6A

OptiFuseIn Stock: 2355FCD-1.6A Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the S501-1.6-R is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Matching Parameters:

• Current Rating: 1.6 A
• Voltage Rating (AC): 250 V
• Fuse Type: Cartridge, Ceramic
• Package / Case: 5mm x 20mm
• Response Time: Fast Blow
• Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage: 1.5 kA
• Mounting Type: Requires Holder

All identified substitute parts meet these mandatory electrical and mechanical specifications. Variations in secondary parameters such as melting I²t, DC cold resistance, operating temperature range, and approval agency certifications do not disqualify substitution but are documented for engineering reference. Parts are grouped as parametric equivalents or direct manufacturer alternatives based on specification alignment.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Eaton - Electronics Division Alternatives: GDA-1.6A is a parametric equivalent manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division with identical electrical specifications and melting I²t characteristics to the S501-1.6-R. Both parts share the same approval agencies (CCC, SEMKO, VDE subset) and RoHS3 compliance status. Selection between S501-1.6-R and GDA-1.6A is based on supply availability and design documentation requirements.

Littelfuse Inc. Alternatives: 021601.6MXP and 021601.6HXP are direct manufacturer alternatives from Littelfuse Inc., Series 216. Both parts meet all mandatory electrical and mechanical parameters with extended operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 125°C). These parts carry broader approval agency certifications including CE, CSA, KC, PSE, UL, and VDE. Melting I²t is 1.005 compared to 0.748 for the S501-1.6-R, representing a measurable but acceptable variation within the 1.6 A cartridge fuse category. DC cold resistance is 0.1112 Ohms. Inventory availability is higher for both Littelfuse variants (1799 and 1106 pieces respectively).

SCHURTER Inc. Alternative: 0001.1006, Series SP 5x20, is a parametric equivalent with melting I²t of 0.755, closely aligned to the S501-1.6-R value of 0.748. Operating temperature range is -55°C ~ 125°C. Approval agencies include CCC, cURus, KC, PSE/JET, and VDE. Inventory is 1223 pieces.

OptiFuse Alternative: FCD-1.6A, Series FCD, meets all mandatory electrical and mechanical specifications with extended operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 125°C). This part is certified to IEC 60127 standard. Melting I²t is 1.243, representing the highest value among all alternatives. Inventory availability is highest at 2280 pieces. Moisture sensitivity level is rated as 1 (Unlimited).

All substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and carry EAR99 export classification. Selection should prioritize design documentation requirements, approval agency alignment with end-application standards, and supply chain logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can FCD-1.6A be used as a direct replacement for S501-1.6-R?

A: Yes. FCD-1.6A meets all mandatory electrical and mechanical parameters: 1.6 A current rating, 250 V AC voltage rating, 5mm x 20mm package, fast-blow response, and 1.5 kA breaking capacity. The part requires the same holder type and is ROHS3 compliant. Melting I²t variation (1.243 vs. 0.748) does not disqualify substitution but should be verified against application thermal requirements.

Q: What is the difference between 021601.6MXP and 021601.6HXP?

A: Both are Littelfuse Inc. Series 216 parts with identical electrical specifications, melting I²t (1.005), DC cold resistance (0.1112 Ohms), and operating temperature range (-55°C ~ 125°C). The designation suffix (MXP vs. HXP) indicates different internal construction or packaging variants. Both are functionally equivalent for the S501-1.6-R application.

Q: Are there approval agency differences that affect substitution?

A: Yes. The S501-1.6-R carries CCC, cURus, MITI/JET, SEMKO, and VDE approvals. Littelfuse alternatives (021601.6MXP and 021601.6HXP) include additional certifications: CE, CSA, KC, PSE, UL, and VDE. SCHURTER 0001.1006 includes CCC, cURus, KC, PSE/JET, and VDE. OptiFuse FCD-1.6A is certified to IEC 60127. Selection should align with end-application regulatory requirements and regional compliance standards.

Q: Does operating temperature range affect substitution eligibility?

A: Operating temperature range is not a mandatory matching parameter for substitution. The S501-1.6-R does not specify an operating temperature range. Littelfuse, SCHURTER, and OptiFuse alternatives specify -55°C ~ 125°C, providing extended thermal performance. Applications requiring operation outside standard temperature ranges should reference the specific part's thermal specifications.

Q: What is the significance of melting I²t variation?

A: Melting I²t represents the thermal energy required to melt the fuse element. S501-1.6-R has melting I²t of 0.748. Alternatives range from 0.748 (GDA-1.6A, 0001.1006 at 0.755) to 1.243 (FCD-1.6A). Variations within this range are acceptable for standard 1.6 A ceramic cartridge fuses. Applications with specific thermal coordination requirements should verify melting I²t against circuit protection calculations.

Q: Can I mix different manufacturers' fuses in the same circuit?

A: All identified substitute parts are mechanically and electrically equivalent for the 5mm x 20mm holder. However, circuit design best practice recommends using the same manufacturer and part number throughout a single circuit or equipment assembly to ensure consistent performance characteristics and traceability.

Q: Which substitute part has the highest inventory availability?

A: FCD-1.6A (OptiFuse) has the highest inventory at 2280 pieces. 021601.6MXP (Littelfuse) has 1799 pieces. These alternatives provide superior supply chain flexibility compared to the S501-1.6-R (833 pieces).