Dilshaad
Dilshaad Content Marketer
On Mar 6, 2025

Fuses are essential components in electrical and electronic circuits, providing protection against overcurrent situations that could lead to equipment failure, short circuits, or even fire hazards. Among the various types of fuses available, through-hole fuses with leads are widely used in industrial and hazardous environments due to their reliability, durability, and easy integration into circuit boards.

One such high-quality fuse is the Littelfuse 0242.050UAT1, a 250V, 0.05A (50mA) axial-leaded fuse designed specifically for applications requiring intrinsic safety and barrier protection. This article explores the specifications, key features, applications, circuit diagrams, use-case scenarios, and global availability of this fuse in regions such as the USA, India, Australia, Europe, and other countries.

1. Introduction to Littelfuse 0242.050UAT1

The Littelfuse 0242.050UAT1 is a high-performance axial-leaded fuse designed for circuits operating in hazardous environments. It is part of the 242 Series and is widely used in industries such as oil & gas, telecommunications, industrial control, and medical equipment. This fuse ensures overcurrent protection, preventing excessive current from damaging sensitive electronic components.

Why Choose the 0242.050UAT1 Fuse?

  • Designed for hazardous environments and meets EN50020 barrier network standards.
  • Provides high interrupting capacity to protect circuits from dangerous electrical faults.
  • Features axial leads for through-hole mounting, ensuring strong mechanical stability.
  • Offers long-lasting performance and reliability, reducing maintenance needs.

2. Specifications of Littelfuse 0242.050UAT1

Below are the key specifications of the 0242.050UAT1 fuse:

SpecificationDetails
Voltage Rating250V AC/DC
Current Rating0.05A (50mA)
Interrupting Rating1500A minimum
Mounting StyleAxial Leaded (Through-Hole)
Operating Temperature-55°C to +125°C
Body MaterialCeramic
Compliance StandardsEN50020 (Intrinsic Safety Barrier Networks)

These specifications make the Littelfuse 0242.050UAT1 ideal for precision electronic applications where safety and reliability are crucial.

3. Key Features of Littelfuse 0242.050UAT1

This fuse is specifically designed for intrinsic safety circuits in hazardous environments. Here are the key features that set it apart:

? High Voltage and Current Rating: Handles up to 250V while limiting current to 0.05A, preventing damage from overcurrent conditions.
? Axial Leaded Design: Through-hole mounting ensures a secure connection in PCB assemblies.
? High Interrupting Capacity: Capable of interrupting 1500A, making it ideal for industrial safety applications.
? Compliance with EN50020: Suitable for hazardous area circuits, ensuring safety in explosive environments such as oil & gas plants.
? Compact Size: Easily fits into small electronic enclosures without compromising performance.
? Reliable Performance: Long operating lifespan with stable resistance and low power dissipation.

4. Applications of Littelfuse 0242.050UAT1

The 0242.050UAT1 fuses is widely used in various industries where safety and precision circuit protection are required. Here are some of the major applications:

4.1 Industrial Automation & Control

  • Used in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and motor control units to protect against overcurrent failures.
  • Ensures that industrial automation systems operate safely and efficiently.

4.2 Telecommunications Equipment

  • Protects sensitive network infrastructure, including base stations and routers, from voltage surges and overloads.
  • Ensures uninterrupted communication by preventing power surges from damaging transmission equipment.

4.3 Oil & Gas Industry (Hazardous Locations)

  • Used in intrinsic safety circuits that prevent ignition in explosive environments.
  • Ensures safe operations in oil refineries, gas pipelines, and offshore drilling platforms.

4.4 Medical Devices

  • Protects diagnostic and monitoring equipment from power fluctuations.
  • Ensures patient safety by preventing overheating or electrical hazards.

4.5 Measurement & Control Equipment

  • Used in sensors, meters, and industrial controllers to maintain accuracy and reliability.
  • Prevents overcurrent damage to delicate electronic components.

5. Circuit Diagram for Littelfuse 0242.050UAT1

Below is a basic circuit diagram showing how the 0242.050UAT1 fuse is connected in a power supply protection circuit.

Simple Overcurrent Protection Circuit Using 0242.050UAT1


+V (250V AC/DC) ¦ [Fuse 0242.050UAT1] ¦ [Load Device] ¦ [Ground]

Explanation:

  • The fuse is placed in series with the load.
  • If the current exceeds 50mA, the fuse blows and disconnects the circuit, protecting the device from damage.
  • This setup is commonly used in power supply protection and sensor circuits.

6. Use-Case Scenario for Littelfuse 0242.050UAT1

Scenario: Protecting an Intrinsic Safety Barrier Circuit in an Oil Refinery

Background

An oil refinery operates in a hazardous environment where electrical sparks could lead to explosions. The refinery uses sensors and monitoring systems to track gas levels and temperature.

Problem

These sensors require precise voltage regulation and protection from overcurrent events, as even a minor electrical fault could create a safety hazard.

Solution

The Littelfuse 0242.050UAT1 fuse is installed in the sensor power supply line.

  • If excess current flows, the fuse blows immediately, cutting off power to prevent sparks.
  • The fuse ensures compliance with EN50020, making the circuit intrinsically safe.
  • This protects both personnel and equipment in the refinery.

7. Global Availability and Compliance

The Littelfuse 0242.050UAT1 fuse is available in various countries, including:

?? USA – Available through distributors like Mouser, Digi-Key, and Xon Electronics.
???? India – Sold by major electronic component suppliers.
???? Australia – Stocked by industrial automation and safety suppliers.
???? Europe – Widely used in telecommunications and oil & gas sectors.

The fuse complies with EN50020, making it suitable for hazardous area barrier circuits worldwide.

8. Conclusion

The Littelfuse 0242.050UAT1 fuse is a critical safety component designed for hazardous and industrial applications. Its high voltage rating (250V), low current limit (0.05A), and high interrupting capacity (1500A) make it an ideal choice for protecting sensitive electronics.

This fuse is widely used in industrial automation, medical devices, telecommunications, and intrinsic safety circuits, ensuring reliable overcurrent protection.

Looking for the best circuit protection solution? The 0242.050UAT1 fuse from Littelfuse is your go-to choice for high-performance safety and reliability!

FAQs on Littelfuse 0242.050UAT1 Fuse

1. What is the Littelfuse 0242.050UAT1 fuse used for?

The Littelfuse 0242.050UAT1 fuse is designed for overcurrent protection in hazardous environments, including intrinsic safety circuits, medical devices, telecommunications, and industrial control systems.

2. What are the key specifications of the 0242.050UAT1 fuse?

  • Voltage Rating: 250V AC/DC
  • Current Rating: 0.05A (50mA)
  • Mounting Style: Axial leaded (through-hole)
  • Compliance: Meets EN50020 barrier network standards for hazardous areas

3. How does the 0242.050UAT1 fuse enhance circuit safety?

This fuse limits the current in a circuit, preventing excessive current flow that could cause overheating, sparks, or equipment damage in explosive or sensitive environments.

4. Where can I buy the Littelfuse 0242.050UAT1 fuse?

The fuse is available from major electronic component distributors such as Mouser, Digi-Key, and Xon Electronics. It is sold in the USA, India, Australia, Europe, and other regions.

5. How do I integrate the 0242.050UAT1 fuse into a circuit?

This fuse should be placed in series with the power supply line of a device or circuit to ensure that any overcurrent condition will break the connection and protect sensitive components.

6. What industries use the 0242.050UAT1 fuse?

Industries including oil & gas, telecommunications, medical equipment, industrial automation, and power systems use this fuse for reliable circuit protection.

7. Does this fuse comply with international safety standards?

Yes, it meets EN50020 barrier network standards, making it suitable for applications in hazardous environments worldwide.

8. Can I use the 0242.050UAT1 fuse for home appliances?

No, this fuse is specifically designed for industrial and hazardous environments and may not be suitable for general household appliances.

9. How do I choose the right fuse for my application?

Select a fuse based on voltage, current rating, interrupting capacity, and application requirements. Ensure compliance with industry safety standards for best performance.

10. Where can I find the 0242.050UAT1 Littelfuse datasheet?

You can download the datasheet from Littelfuse’s official website or authorized distributors such as Xon Electronics.


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