TCF250-180T Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The TCF250-180T is a Polymeric PTC Resettable Fuse manufactured by Littelfuse Inc. in the PolySwitch® TCF250 series. This surface mount device provides overcurrent protection at 60V (250V internal rating) with a 180 mA hold current. The part is Active status and widely used in electronic circuit protection applications requiring automatic reset functionality after fault conditions are cleared.

Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical performance and safety ratings can be maintained across different mounting technologies and form factors, enabling design flexibility and supply chain alternatives.

Substiute Parts

TCF250-180T

Littelfuse Inc.In Stock: 3440TCF250-180T Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

MF-RX018/250-0

Bourns Inc.In Stock: 919MF-RX018/250-0 Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the TCF250-180T is determined by the following critical electrical parameters:

• Voltage rating: 60V (250V internal) maximum
• Current hold specification: 180 mA Ih (maximum)
• Polymeric PTC resettable fuse technology
• Operating temperature range: -40°C to 85°C
• RoHS3 compliance and regulatory approval

The MF-RX018/250-0 (Bourns Inc., Multifuse® MF-RX/250 series) meets these electrical requirements with identical voltage, current hold, temperature range, and compliance certifications. The primary difference is the mounting technology: the TCF250-180T uses surface mount packaging, while the MF-RX018/250-0 uses through-hole radial mounting. Both devices function as polymeric PTC resettable fuses with equivalent protection characteristics.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both the TCF250-180T and MF-RX018/250-0 are Active status products with full RoHS3 compliance. Selection between these parts depends on circuit board design requirements:

The TCF250-180T is appropriate for surface mount applications where board space is constrained and automated assembly processes are used. It carries UL approval.

The MF-RX018/250-0 is appropriate for through-hole applications where radial lead mounting is required. It carries cURus and TUV approvals, providing additional regulatory coverage in certain markets.

Both devices provide equivalent polymeric PTC resettable fuse protection at 60V and 180 mA hold current specifications. The choice between them is determined by PCB layout and assembly methodology, not by electrical performance differences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the MF-RX018/250-0 directly replace the TCF250-180T on an existing PCB?

A: Direct PCB replacement is not possible due to different mounting technologies. The TCF250-180T requires surface mount pads, while the MF-RX018/250-0 requires through-hole vias. PCB redesign is necessary for substitution.

Q: Are the electrical protection characteristics identical between these parts?

A: Both parts meet the same voltage (60V/250V internal), current hold (180 mA), and operating temperature (-40°C to 85°C) specifications. They function as equivalent polymeric PTC resettable fuses for circuit protection purposes.

Q: What is the difference in initial resistance between these parts?

A: The TCF250-180T has a minimum initial resistance of 1.9 Ohms, while the MF-RX018/250-0 has a minimum initial resistance of 800 mOhms. This difference may affect circuit behavior during normal operation and should be evaluated in the specific application context.

Q: Do both parts have the same regulatory approvals?

A: The TCF250-180T carries UL approval. The MF-RX018/250-0 carries cURus and TUV approvals. Both are ROHS3 compliant. Verify that the required approvals for your application are met by the selected part.

Q: What is the maximum current rating difference between these parts?

A: The TCF250-180T has a maximum current rating of 3 A, while the MF-RX018/250-0 has a maximum current rating of 10 A. Both are rated for 180 mA hold current, which is the critical specification for this application.