S506-4-R Glass Cartridge Fuse 4A 250VAC 5x20mm Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The S506-4-R is a 4 ampere, 250 volt AC/DC glass cartridge fuse manufactured by Eaton Electronics Division in a 5mm x 20mm form factor. This slow-blow fuse cartridge requires a compatible holder for installation and is designed for circuit protection applications requiring moderate current ratings with extended response characteristics. The part maintains active product status with 832 pieces in current inventory. Equivalent and substitute parts are identified to support procurement flexibility, supply chain continuity, and application-specific compliance requirements across multiple manufacturers and series designations.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Current Rating	4 A
Voltage Rating (AC)	250 V
Fuse Type	Cartridge, Glass
Response Time	Slow Blow
Package / Case	5mm x 20mm
Mounting Type	Requires Holder
Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	40A
Size / Dimension	0.205" Dia x 0.787" L (5.20mm x 20.00mm)
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Product Status	Active

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the S506-4-R are classified into two categories based on parametric equivalence:

Direct Manufacturer Equivalents (Eaton Electronics Division): Parts BK/S506-4-R, BK/GDC-4A, BK/GMD-4-R, GDC-4A, and GMD-4-R maintain identical or functionally equivalent electrical specifications including 4A current rating, 250V AC voltage rating, slow-blow response, and 5x20mm package dimensions. These parts share the same approval agencies and RoHS3 compliance status as the primary part.

Cross-Manufacturer Parametric Equivalents: Parts from Littelfuse Inc. (0218004.MXP, 0213004.MXP) and SCHURTER Inc. (0034.3123, 0034.5049, 0034.5623.11) meet the core electrical parameters of 4A current rating, 250V AC voltage rating, slow-blow response, and 5x20mm mechanical form factor. These parts are qualified substitutes based on matching functional specifications and regulatory compliance certifications.

Substitution Criteria: All substitute parts maintain the following critical parameters identical to the S506-4-R:

Current Rating: 4 A
Voltage Rating (AC): 250 V
Fuse Type: Cartridge, Glass
Response Time: Slow Blow
Package / Case: 5mm x 20mm
Mounting Type: Requires Holder
RoHS3 Compliance

Parameter Comparison

Manufacturer Part Number	Manufacturer	Series	Current Rating (A)	Voltage Rating (AC)	Response Time	Package	Breaking Capacity @ Rated Voltage	Melting I²t	DC Cold Resistance (Ohms)	RoHS Status	Inventory (Pcs)
S506-4-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	S506	4	250 V	Slow Blow	5x20mm	40A	71.8	0.0139	ROHS3 Compliant	832
BK/S506-4-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	S506	4	250 V	Slow Blow	5x20mm	40A	71.8	0.0139	ROHS3 Compliant	742
BK/GDC-4A	Eaton - Electronics Division	GDC	4	250 V	Slow Blow	5x20mm	40A	71.8	0.0139	ROHS3 Compliant	1848
BK/GMD-4-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	GMD	4	250 V	Slow Blow	5x20mm	200A	300	0.048	ROHS3 Compliant	3754
GDC-4A	Eaton - Electronics Division	GDC	4	250 V	Slow Blow	5x20mm	40A	71.8	0.0139	ROHS3 Compliant	1078
GMD-4-R	Eaton - Electronics Division	GMD	4	250 V	Slow Blow	5x20mm	200A	300	0.048	ROHS3 Compliant	911
0218004.MXP	Littelfuse Inc.	218	4	250 V	Slow Blow	5x20mm	40A	69.1	0.0129	ROHS3 Compliant	22400
0034.3123	SCHURTER Inc.	FST 5x20	4	250 V	Slow Blow	5x20mm	40A	68.3	Not Specified	ROHS3 Compliant	58155
0034.5049	SCHURTER Inc.	FTT 5x20	4	250 V	Slow Blow	5x20mm	35A	410	Not Specified	ROHS3 Compliant	3776
0034.5623.11	SCHURTER Inc.	SMD-FST	4	250 V	Slow Blow	5x20mm	40A	68.3	Not Specified	ROHS3 Compliant	1838
0213004.MXP	Littelfuse Inc.	213	4	250 V	Slow Blow	5x20mm	40A	226.505	0.017	ROHS3 Compliant	5552

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Eaton Electronics Division Direct Equivalents: Parts BK/S506-4-R, GDC-4A, and BK/GDC-4A are direct parametric equivalents with identical electrical characteristics and approval certifications. These parts are suitable for direct substitution where Eaton product continuity is required. The GDC series variants (BK/GDC-4A, GDC-4A) maintain the same core specifications as the S506-4-R and carry cULus, IMQ, and MITI/JET certifications.

Eaton GMD Series: Parts BK/GMD-4-R and GMD-4-R maintain the 4A current rating and 250V AC voltage rating with identical 5x20mm form factor. These parts feature enhanced breaking capacity (200A versus 40A) and higher melting I²t values (300 versus 71.8), indicating different thermal response characteristics. Selection of GMD variants requires confirmation that the application tolerates these modified electrical parameters. PSE/Jet and UL certifications are provided.

Littelfuse 218 Series: Part 0218004.MXP provides parametric equivalence with 4A current rating, 250V AC voltage rating, and 5x20mm package. This part carries comprehensive regulatory approvals including CCC, CE, CSA, K-MARK, PSE, SEMKO, UL, and VDE. Operating temperature range of -55°C to 125°C is specified. Melting I²t of 69.1 and DC cold resistance of 0.0129 ohms are comparable to the primary part.

Littelfuse 213 Series: Part 0213004.MXP meets core electrical specifications with 4A current rating and 250V AC voltage rating in 5x20mm package. This part exhibits significantly higher melting I²t (226.505) compared to the S506-4-R (71.8), indicating extended thermal response. Regulatory approvals include BSI, CCC, CE, CSA, PSE, SEMKO, UR, and VDE. Operating temperature range is -55°C to 125°C.

SCHURTER FST Series: Part 0034.3123 provides parametric equivalence with 4A current rating, 250V AC voltage rating, and 5x20mm package. Breaking capacity of 40A and melting I²t of 68.3 are comparable to the primary part. Certifications include CCC, cURus, PSE/JET, and VDE. Operating temperature range is -55°C to 125°C. High inventory availability (58155 pieces) supports procurement continuity.

SCHURTER SMD-FST Series: Part 0034.5623.11 maintains 4A current rating, 250V AC voltage rating, and 5x20mm form factor with breaking capacity of 40A and melting I²t of 68.3. Certifications include cURus and VDE. Operating temperature range is -55°C to 125°C.

SCHURTER FTT Series: Part 0034.5049 meets core electrical specifications with 4A current rating and 250V AC voltage rating in 5x20mm package. Breaking capacity is 35A with melting I²t of 410, indicating extended thermal response characteristics. cURus certification is provided. Operating temperature range is -40°C to 85°C, which is narrower than other substitutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BK/GMD-4-R and GMD-4-R be used as direct replacements for S506-4-R?

A: BK/GMD-4-R and GMD-4-R maintain identical current rating (4A), voltage rating (250V AC), response time (slow blow), and package dimensions (5x20mm). However, these parts feature breaking capacity of 200A and melting I²t of 300, compared to 40A and 71.8 for the S506-4-R. These electrical parameter differences must be evaluated against application requirements before substitution.

Q: What is the difference between Littelfuse 218 and 213 series fuses?

A: Both 0218004.MXP (218 series) and 0213004.MXP (213 series) meet the core specifications of 4A current rating, 250V AC voltage rating, and 5x20mm package. The primary difference is melting I²t: 69.1 for the 218 series versus 226.505 for the 213 series. The 213 series exhibits extended thermal response due to higher I²t value. Selection depends on application thermal requirements.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: All substitute parts listed in this reference maintain ROHS3 compliance status, consistent with the primary S506-4-R part.

Q: Which substitute part has the highest inventory availability?

A: SCHURTER 0034.3123 (FST 5x20 series) maintains the highest inventory with 58155 pieces in stock, followed by Eaton BK/GMD-4-R with 3754 pieces and Littelfuse 0218004.MXP with 22400 pieces.

Q: What regulatory certifications are common across all substitute parts?

A: All substitute parts carry multiple regulatory certifications. Common certifications across most substitutes include CCC, CSA, PSE, and VDE. Specific certification combinations vary by manufacturer and series. Refer to the Parameter Comparison table for manufacturer-specific certification details.

Q: Can SCHURTER 0034.5049 (FTT series) be used in applications requiring -55°C operation?

A: SCHURTER 0034.5049 specifies operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C, which does not extend to -55°C. This part is not suitable for applications requiring operation below -40°C. Alternative substitutes with -55°C to 125°C operating range include Littelfuse 0218004.MXP, Littelfuse 0213004.MXP, SCHURTER 0034.3123, and SCHURTER 0034.5623.11.

Q: Are the 5x20mm package dimensions identical across all substitute parts?

A: All substitute parts maintain identical 5x20mm package dimensions (0.205" Dia x 0.787" L) as specified for the primary S506-4-R part. Physical form factor compatibility is confirmed across all listed substitutes.

Q: What is the significance of melting I²t values in fuse selection?

A: Melting I²t represents the thermal energy required to melt the fuse element. Lower I²t values indicate faster thermal response, while higher values indicate extended thermal response. The S506-4-R specifies 71.8 I²t. Substitutes with comparable I²t values (69.1 to 71.8) provide similar thermal characteristics, while parts with significantly higher I²t values (226.505 or 300) exhibit extended response and require application verification.

Q: Which substitute parts are manufactured by Eaton Electronics Division?

A: Eaton Electronics Division manufactures BK/S506-4-R, BK/GDC-4A, BK/GMD-4-R, GDC-4A, and GMD-4-R. These parts maintain Eaton product line continuity and are available as direct alternatives to the primary S506-4-R part.

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