S501-4-R Ceramic Fuse 4A 250VAC 5x20mm Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Eaton S501-4-R is a ceramic cartridge fuse rated for 4 amperes at 250 volts AC/DC with fast-blow response characteristics. The fuse element is housed in a 5mm x 20mm ceramic body and requires a compatible fuse holder for installation. This component is classified as Active product status and is ROHS3 compliant. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified to support procurement flexibility, inventory management, and supply chain continuity when the primary part number becomes unavailable or when alternative manufacturers' components meet identical electrical and mechanical specifications.

Substiute Parts

S501-4-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 914S501-4-R Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

BK/GDA-4A

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 2034BK/GDA-4A Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

BK/S501-4-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1691BK/S501-4-R Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

BK1/S501-4-R

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1524BK1/S501-4-R Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

GDA-4A

Eaton - Electronics DivisionIn Stock: 1157GDA-4A Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

0216004.MXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 17590216004.MXP Datasheet

DirectRFQ

0001.1010

SCHURTER Inc.In Stock: 12150001.1010 Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

0216004.HXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 16410216004.HXP Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

0216004.VXP

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 8830216004.VXP Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

FCC-4A

OptiFuseIn Stock: 850FCC-4A Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

FCD-4A

OptiFuseIn Stock: 2318FCD-4A Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the S501-4-R is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters: current rating (4 A), AC voltage rating (250 V), fuse type (cartridge ceramic), package dimensions (5mm x 20mm), response time (fast blow), and breaking capacity (1.5kA). All substitute parts listed maintain these core electrical and mechanical specifications. Substitutes are grouped by manufacturer and series designation while preserving functional interchangeability within fuse holder assemblies designed for 5x20mm cartridge fuses. Variations in melting I²t values, DC cold resistance, and approval agency certifications do not preclude substitution when the primary electrical parameters remain constant.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All listed substitute parts maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility with the S501-4-R based on identical current rating, voltage rating, package dimensions, and response time classification. Selection among substitutes should be based on the following criteria:

Eaton Series Substitutes (BK/GDA-4A, BK/S501-4-R, BK1/S501-4-R, GDA-4A): These parts are manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division and provide direct compatibility with existing supply chains and documentation. The BK/S501-4-R and BK1/S501-4-R variants maintain the same S501 series designation as the primary part. All Eaton substitutes carry Active product status and ROHS3 compliance.

Littelfuse Series Substitutes (0216004.MXP, 0216004.HXP, 0216004.VXP): These parts are manufactured by Littelfuse Inc. under the 216 series designation. All three variants share identical electrical specifications with melting I²t values of 14.995 and DC cold resistance of 0.0247 ohms. These parts carry comprehensive approval agency certifications including CCC, CE, CSA, KC, PSE, SEMKO, UL, and VDE, with operating temperature range of -55°C to 125°C.

SCHURTER Substitute (0001.1010): This part is manufactured by SCHURTER Inc. under the SP 5x20 series. It maintains the required 4A/250V specifications and 1.5kA breaking capacity. The melting I²t value is 12.6, which is lower than the primary part. Operating temperature range is -55°C to 125°C. Approval agencies include CCC, cURus, KC, PSE/JET, and VDE.

OptiFuse Substitutes (FCC-4A, FCD-4A): These parts are manufactured by OptiFuse. The FCC-4A carries a breaking capacity of 200A (0.2kA), which differs from the 1.5kA specification of the primary part. The FCD-4A maintains the 1.5kA breaking capacity and includes explicit 250V DC voltage rating. Both parts have operating temperature range of -55°C to 125°C.

Selection should prioritize parts with matching approval agency certifications relevant to the end application. The Littelfuse 216 series variants offer the broadest certification coverage. When operating temperature range is a design consideration, Littelfuse, SCHURTER, and OptiFuse variants specify -55°C to 125°C operating range, whereas the primary S501-4-R and Eaton substitutes do not specify operating temperature limits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BK/S501-4-R be used as a direct replacement for S501-4-R?

A: Yes. BK/S501-4-R is a parametric equivalent manufactured by Eaton - Electronics Division with identical current rating (4A), voltage rating (250V AC), package dimensions (5mm x 20mm), response time (fast blow), and breaking capacity (1.5kA). Both parts are ROHS3 compliant and carry Active product status.

Q: What is the difference between the Littelfuse 0216004.MXP, 0216004.HXP, and 0216004.VXP variants?

A: All three Littelfuse variants share identical electrical specifications: 4A current rating, 250V AC voltage rating, 5mm x 20mm package, fast-blow response, 1.5kA breaking capacity, and 14.995 melting I²t value. The part number suffixes (MXP, HXP, VXP) indicate different internal construction or performance characteristics within the 216 series, but all three maintain functional equivalence to the S501-4-R.

Q: Does the OptiFuse FCC-4A have the same breaking capacity as the S501-4-R?

A: No. The OptiFuse FCC-4A has a breaking capacity of 200A (0.2kA), whereas the S501-4-R has a breaking capacity of 1.5kA. While the FCC-4A maintains the required 4A current rating and 250V voltage rating in a 5mm x 20mm package, the lower breaking capacity may affect suitability for applications requiring higher fault current interruption capability.

Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?

A: All listed substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant. The primary S501-4-R is also ROHS3 compliant.

Q: Which substitute parts specify an operating temperature range?

A: The Littelfuse variants (0216004.MXP, 0216004.HXP, 0216004.VXP), SCHURTER 0001.1010, and OptiFuse variants (FCC-4A, FCD-4A) all specify an operating temperature range of -55°C to 125°C. The primary S501-4-R and Eaton substitutes (BK/GDA-4A, BK/S501-4-R, BK1/S501-4-R, GDA-4A) do not specify operating temperature limits in the provided data.

Q: Can FCD-4A be used in applications requiring both AC and DC voltage ratings?

A: Yes. The OptiFuse FCD-4A explicitly specifies both 250V AC and 250V DC voltage ratings, whereas most other substitutes specify only 250V AC. The FCD-4A is suitable for applications requiring dual AC/DC voltage compatibility.

Q: What approval agencies are common across all substitute parts?

A: CCC and CSA certifications appear across multiple substitute parts. However, no single approval agency certification is present on all listed substitutes. Selection should be based on the specific approval requirements of the end application.

Q: Is the melting I²t value critical for substitution?

A: Melting I²t values vary among the listed substitutes (ranging from 12.22 to 14.995), while the primary S501-4-R specifies 14. Variations in melting I²t do not preclude substitution when all primary electrical parameters (current rating, voltage rating, breaking capacity, response time) remain constant. However, applications with specific thermal response requirements should verify that the substitute part's melting I²t value is acceptable for the circuit design.

Q: Do all substitute parts require the same fuse holder as the S501-4-R?

A: Yes. All substitute parts maintain the 5mm x 20mm package dimensions and cartridge ceramic fuse type, requiring compatible 5x20mm fuse holders. Physical installation compatibility is maintained across all listed substitutes.