Equivalent & Substitute Parts for S506-500-R Glass Cartridge Fuse

Part Overview

The S506-500-R is a 500 mA, 250 V AC/DC slow blow glass cartridge fuse manufactured by Eaton Electronics Division in a 5mm x 20mm package. This fuse requires a holder for installation and is designed for circuit protection applications requiring slow response characteristics. The part maintains active product status with 1089 units 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	500 mA
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	35A
Size / Dimension	0.205" Dia x 0.787" L (5.20mm x 20.00mm)
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the S506-500-R is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters: current rating (500 mA), voltage rating (250 V AC), fuse type (cartridge glass), response time (slow blow), and physical package dimensions (5mm x 20mm). All identified substitute parts match these core electrical and mechanical specifications. Substitutes are grouped into three categories based on manufacturer and series designation:

Direct Manufacturer Equivalents (Eaton Electronics Division): Parts BK/S506-500-R and BK/GMD-500-R represent alternative part numbering within the same manufacturer ecosystem, maintaining identical electrical performance and approval certifications.

Parametric Equivalents (Eaton Series Variants): Parts BK/GDC-500MA, GDC-500MA, and GMD-500-R share identical current, voltage, and package specifications but originate from different Eaton product series (GDC and GMD). These parts satisfy all functional requirements for direct substitution.

Cross-Manufacturer Equivalents: Parts from Littelfuse Inc. (0218.500TXP, 0213.500MXP) and SCHURTER Inc. (0034.3114, 0034.5040, 0034.5614.11) meet all core electrical parameters and package requirements while offering alternative compliance certifications and operating temperature ranges.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Series	Current Rating	Voltage Rating (AC)	Response Time	Package	Breaking Capacity	Melting I²t	DC Cold Resistance (Ohms)	Inventory (Pcs)
S506-500-R	Eaton	S506	500 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5x20mm	35A	0.827	0.183	1089
BK/S506-500-R	Eaton	S506	500 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5x20mm	35A	0.827	0.183	1335
BK/GDC-500MA	Eaton	GDC	500 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5x20mm	35A	0.827	0.183	1073
BK/GMD-500-R	Eaton	GMD	500 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5x20mm	35A	1.4	1.0645	1585
GDC-500MA	Eaton	GDC	500 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5x20mm	35A	0.827	0.183	1149
GMD-500-R	Eaton	GMD	500 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5x20mm	35A	1.4	1.0645	933
0218.500TXP	Littelfuse	218	500 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5x20mm	35A	2.825	0.37	880
0034.3114	SCHURTER	FST 5x20	500 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5x20mm	35A	3	—	12470
0034.5040	SCHURTER	FTT 5x20	500 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5x20mm	35A	7.9	—	1105
0034.5614.11	SCHURTER	SMD-FST	500 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5x20mm	35A	3	—	1819
0213.500MXP	Littelfuse	213	500 mA	250 V	Slow Blow	5x20mm	35A	2.905	0.37	2100

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Eaton Direct Equivalents (BK/S506-500-R, BK/GDC-500MA, GDC-500MA): These parts maintain identical electrical characteristics and approval certifications (BSI, CCC, CSA, cULus, IMQ, SEMKO, VDE) to the S506-500-R. Selection from this group ensures maximum compatibility with existing circuit designs and compliance documentation. BK/S506-500-R provides the highest inventory availability (1335 units) within this category.

Eaton GMD Series (BK/GMD-500-R, GMD-500-R): These parts satisfy all core electrical parameters but exhibit higher melting I²t values (1.4 versus 0.827) and increased DC cold resistance (1.0645 Ohms versus 0.183 Ohms). Approval certifications are limited to CSA and UL. Selection requires confirmation that circuit thermal and resistance characteristics remain within acceptable operating margins.

Littelfuse Cross-Manufacturer Equivalents (0218.500TXP, 0213.500MXP): Both parts meet all electrical specifications and package requirements with extended operating temperature ranges (-55°C to 125°C). Approval certifications include CCC, CE, CSA, KC, SEMKO, UL, and VDE. Melting I²t values (2.825 and 2.905 respectively) exceed the S506-500-R specification. These parts support applications requiring broader temperature performance and international compliance certifications.

SCHURTER Cross-Manufacturer Equivalents (0034.3114, 0034.5040, 0034.5614.11): All three parts satisfy core electrical and package specifications. Part 0034.3114 (FST 5x20 series) offers the highest inventory availability (12470 units) and extended operating temperature range (-55°C to 125°C). Part 0034.5040 (FTT 5x20 series) provides the highest melting I²t value (7.9) with operating range -40°C to 85°C. Part 0034.5614.11 (SMD-FST series) maintains -55°C to 125°C operating range with melting I²t of 3. All SCHURTER parts carry cURus and/or VDE certifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can BK/GMD-500-R be used as a direct replacement for S506-500-R?

A: BK/GMD-500-R matches all core electrical parameters (500 mA, 250 V, slow blow, 5x20mm package, 35A breaking capacity). However, it exhibits different thermal characteristics: melting I²t of 1.4 versus 0.827, and DC cold resistance of 1.0645 Ohms versus 0.183 Ohms. Substitution is permissible only when circuit design tolerates these resistance and thermal response variations. Approval certifications (CSA, UL) are narrower than S506-500-R (BSI, CCC, CSA, cULus, IMQ, SEMKO, VDE).

Q: What is the difference between Littelfuse 0218.500TXP and 0213.500MXP?

A: Both parts are functionally equivalent with identical current (500 mA), voltage (250 V), response time (slow blow), and package (5x20mm) specifications. The primary difference is melting I²t: 0218.500TXP is 2.825 versus 0213.500MXP at 2.905. Both support operating temperatures from -55°C to 125°C and carry comprehensive international certifications (CCC, CE, CSA, KC, SEMKO, UL, VDE). Selection between these parts is based on inventory availability and specific circuit thermal requirements.

Q: Are SCHURTER parts 0034.3114 and 0034.5614.11 interchangeable?

A: Both parts share identical electrical specifications (500 mA, 250 V, slow blow, 5x20mm, 35A breaking capacity) and melting I²t of 3. Both support -55°C to 125°C operating range. The primary distinction is series designation: 0034.3114 is FST 5x20 series while 0034.5614.11 is SMD-FST series. Approval certifications differ slightly: 0034.3114 carries CCC, cURus, and VDE; 0034.5614.11 carries cURus and VDE. Both are suitable for direct substitution in applications requiring these specifications.

Q: What approval certifications are critical for my application?

A: Approval requirements depend on end-use application and regional regulations. S506-500-R carries the broadest certification set: BSI, CCC, CSA, cULus, IMQ, SEMKO, VDE. If your application requires specific certifications (for example, UL for North American markets, CE for European markets, CCC for Chinese markets), verify that the substitute part carries equivalent certifications. Littelfuse parts (0218.500TXP, 0213.500MXP) and SCHURTER parts (0034.3114, 0034.5614.11) provide comprehensive multi-regional certifications suitable for international applications.

Q: How do melting I²t values affect fuse selection?

A: Melting I²t represents the thermal energy required to melt the fuse element. S506-500-R specifies 0.827. Substitute parts range from 0.827 (Eaton GDC and S506 series) to 7.9 (SCHURTER 0034.5040). Higher melting I²t values indicate slower thermal response and greater tolerance to transient current surges. Selection must align with circuit protection requirements: lower I²t values provide faster response to fault conditions; higher values tolerate greater inrush currents. Verify that substitute part I²t characteristics match circuit design specifications.

Q: What is the significance of DC cold resistance differences?

A: DC cold resistance affects voltage drop across the fuse during normal operation. S506-500-R specifies 0.183 Ohms. Eaton GDC and S506 series maintain this value; Eaton GMD series increases to 1.0645 Ohms; Littelfuse parts are 0.37 Ohms. Higher resistance generates greater heat dissipation and voltage drop. In low-voltage or high-current applications, resistance differences may impact circuit performance. Verify that substitute part resistance remains compatible with circuit voltage budgets and thermal management requirements.

Q: Can I substitute a Littelfuse part for an Eaton part in an existing design?

A: Littelfuse parts (0218.500TXP, 0213.500MXP) satisfy all core electrical specifications and package requirements. However, differences exist in melting I²t (2.825–2.905 versus 0.827), DC cold resistance (0.37 versus 0.183 Ohms), and approval certifications. Substitution is permissible when circuit design accommodates these thermal and electrical variations. Verify that application compliance requirements align with Littelfuse certification portfolio (CCC, CE, CSA, KC, SEMKO, UL, VDE).

Q: Which substitute part offers the highest inventory availability?

A: SCHURTER part 0034.3114 (FST 5x20 series) provides the highest inventory level at 12470 units. This part meets all electrical specifications, supports extended operating temperature (-55°C to 125°C), and carries CCC, cURus, and VDE certifications. For applications where supply chain continuity is critical, 0034.3114 represents the optimal choice among available substitutes.

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