Siemens 5SV3612-8 5SV3 Series Miniature Circuit Breaker 2P 25A 300mA

The Siemens 5SV3612-8 5SV3 Series Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) is engineered for robust protection in demanding electrical installations. This 2-pole, 25A, 300mA residual current device (RCD) MCB offers superior safety and reliability, essential for preventing electrical shocks and fire hazards. Its advanced tripping characteristics and high breaking capacity make it a cornerstone component for safeguarding circuits in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. Key advantages include its precise fault detection, quick disconnection, and long operational lifespan, ensuring uninterrupted power flow while maintaining stringent safety standards.

Product Specifications

| Feature                   | Specification                                 |

| :------------------------ | :-------------------------------------------- |

| Manufacturer              | Siemens                                       |

| Series                    | 5SV3                                          |

| Product Number            | 5SV3612-8                                     |

| Number of Poles           | 2                                             |

| Rated Current (In)        | 25A                                           |

| Residual Current (IΔn)    | 300mA                                         |

| Breaking Capacity (Icn)   | 6kA                                           |

| Tripping Characteristic   | Type AC (for sinusoidal AC residual currents) |

| Rated Voltage (Un)        | 230/400V AC                                   |

| Frequency                 | 50/60 Hz                                      |

| Mounting Type             | DIN rail                                      |

| Degree of Protection      | IP20 (terminals), IP40 (enclosure)            |

| Operating Temperature     | -25°C to +45°C                                |

| Electrical Endurance      | 10,000 cycles                                 |

| Mechanical Endurance      | 20,000 cycles                                 |

Core Features & Market Positioning

The Siemens 5SV3612-8 distinguishes itself through its high-quality construction and reliable performance, positioning it as a preferred choice for critical electrical protection applications. Its Type AC tripping characteristic ensures effective detection of residual currents, a vital safety feature in preventing electrocution and mitigating fire risks originating from insulation faults. The MCB's robust design, with a significant breaking capacity of 6kA, provides ample protection against short-circuit currents, safeguarding downstream equipment and personnel. Siemens' reputation for engineering excellence further underpins its market standing, offering installers and end-users confidence in its dependable operation and longevity. This combination of safety, performance, and brand trust makes the 5SV3 Series a competitive option in the mid-range industrial and commercial MCB market.

Key Application Scenarios

The Siemens 5SV3612-8 5SV3 Series MCB is ideally suited for a wide array of applications where reliable protection against overcurrents and residual currents is paramount. In residential settings, it serves as a crucial safety device for circuits supplying kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas, mitigating risks associated with water and electricity. Commercially, it finds extensive use in office buildings, retail spaces, and hotels to protect lighting, power outlets, and HVAC systems. For industrial environments, this MCB is deployed in control panels and distribution boards to safeguard machinery, power tools, and sensitive electronic equipment from faults, ensuring operational continuity and preventing costly downtime. Its suitability for areas with higher humidity or where direct contact with water is a possibility, due to its 300mA sensitivity, makes it a versatile protective element.

Practical System Integration Guidance

Integrating the Siemens 5SV3612-8 MCB into existing or new electrical systems is a straightforward process, adhering to standard electrical installation practices. The device is designed for mounting on a standard 35mm DIN rail, allowing for quick and secure installation within distribution boards and enclosures. Wiring connections are made via screw terminals, accommodating appropriate conductor sizes for a 25A rating; always ensure conductors are properly stripped and firmly secured to prevent loose connections, which can lead to overheating. For proper RCD functionality, the neutral and live conductors of the circuit being protected must be passed through the MCB's poles. Ensure that the incoming power supply is correctly connected to the upper terminals and the outgoing protected circuit to the lower terminals. Grounding is handled separately by the main grounding system of the installation.

Operation and Risk Mitigation

The Siemens 5SV3612-8 operates by continuously monitoring the current flowing through its live and neutral poles. If an imbalance occurs—indicating current is leaking to ground (e.g., through a person or faulty insulation)—the residual current device (RCD) function triggers, causing a rapid disconnection. This prevents electric shock and reduces the risk of fire. The miniature circuit breaker (MCB) function protects against overloads and short circuits by detecting excessive current and interrupting the circuit. To mitigate risks, ensure the MCB is correctly rated for the load and that regular testing of the RCD function (typically via a "Test" button located on the device) is performed as per local electrical codes. Avoid overloading circuits beyond the 25A rating and ensure proper installation by qualified electricians to prevent mechanical damage or incorrect wiring.

Scalability & Long-Term Value

The Siemens 5SV3612-8 MCB, part of the broader Siemens 5SV3 series, offers good scalability and long-term value within electrical infrastructure. Its modular design allows for straightforward replacement or addition of circuit protection devices within standard distribution panels, facilitating system upgrades or modifications as power requirements evolve. Compatibility with other Siemens circuit protection components and a wide range of electrical switchgear ensures seamless integration into existing and future installations. While not directly an IIoT device, its reliable performance contributes to the overall stability of electrical systems that may be integrated with smart monitoring solutions. The durable construction and high electrical endurance contribute to a long service life, minimizing the need for frequent replacements and reducing the total cost of ownership over the system's lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the tripping current for the Siemens 5SV3612-8?

The residual current tripping sensitivity for the Siemens 5SV3612-8 is rated at 300mA. This means the device will disconnect the circuit if it detects a leakage current of 300 milliamperes or more. This sensitivity is designed to protect against severe electric shock and fire hazards.

This sensitivity level is crucial for applications where a higher degree of protection against earth faults is required. It offers a balance between detecting dangerous leakage currents and avoiding nuisance tripping from minor, non-hazardous current variations.

Therefore, for installations requiring enhanced safety against electrical hazards, the 300mA tripping current of the 5SV3612-8 provides a robust protective measure.

Can the Siemens 5SV3612-8 be used for DC circuits?

No, the Siemens 5SV3612-8 is designed exclusively for AC (Alternating Current) circuits. Its tripping mechanism, particularly the RCD function, is calibrated for sinusoidal AC residual currents.

Using this MCB in DC circuits would render its residual current protection ineffective and could lead to unsafe conditions. It is essential to use devices specifically designed for DC applications when working with direct current systems.

Always consult the product datasheet or consult with a qualified electrician to ensure you select the appropriate circuit breaker for your specific AC or DC application.

What type of residual current protection does the 5SV3612-8 offer?

The Siemens 5SV3612-8 offers Type AC residual current protection. This means it is sensitive to sinusoidal alternating residual currents, which are typically produced by faulty appliances or wiring in AC systems.

Type AC RCDs are suitable for general-purpose applications but may not detect rapidly rising or pulsed DC residual currents. For applications where such fault currents might occur, Type A, B, or F RCDs would be necessary.

Therefore, while providing essential protection against common AC faults, it's important to verify that Type AC is sufficient for the specific risks present in your installation.

How do I test the residual current function of the Siemens 5SV3612-8?

To test the residual current function, locate the "Test" button, usually marked with a "T" or "Test," on the front of the MCB. Press this button firmly.

If the RCD is functioning correctly, pressing the test button will simulate a residual current and cause the breaker to trip, disconnecting the circuit. Ensure the circuit is not carrying critical loads during the test.

After tripping, reset the breaker by lifting the switch to the "ON" position. It is recommended to perform these tests periodically, following local electrical regulations, to ensure the device's continued reliability.

What is the breaking capacity (kA) of the Siemens 5SV3612-8?

The Siemens 5SV3612-8 miniature circuit breaker has a breaking capacity of 6kA. This rating indicates the maximum fault current that the device can safely interrupt without sustaining damage.

A 6kA breaking capacity is suitable for most standard residential and commercial installations, providing adequate protection against short circuits. For installations with higher prospective fault currents, a higher breaking capacity MCB would be required.

Ensuring the breaking capacity of your MCB matches or exceeds the potential fault current at its installation point is crucial for electrical safety and preventing catastrophic equipment failure.

What is the rated current of this Siemens MCB?

The rated current of the Siemens 5SV3612-8 is 25 Amperes (A). This is the maximum continuous current the breaker is designed to carry under normal operating conditions without tripping.

It is essential to match the circuit breaker's rated current to the continuous current demand of the circuit it protects. Overloading a circuit by exceeding its rated current capacity can lead to overheating and fire hazards.

Always ensure that the conductor sizes are also appropriate for the 25A rating to prevent premature tripping or conductor damage.

Is the Siemens 5SV3612-8 suitable for industrial control panels?

Yes, the Siemens 5SV3612-8 is well-suited for industrial control panels, especially for protecting circuits with moderate current demands and where residual current protection is mandated. Its robust construction and reliable tripping characteristics ensure dependable operation in demanding environments.

The 2-pole design is convenient for single-phase circuits commonly found in control systems. Its 6kA breaking capacity provides sufficient protection against short circuits, safeguarding sensitive control components from damage.

However, for very high fault current scenarios or specialized industrial applications, higher breaking capacity or specific tripping characteristics might be necessary. Always consult the overall system design requirements.

What does "2P" mean in the product name?

"2P" in the product name Siemens 5SV3612-8 signifies that the circuit breaker has two poles. A pole in an MCB is essentially a switch that interrupts the flow of electricity.

Having two poles means this breaker can simultaneously switch and protect both the live (L) and neutral (N) conductors of a single-phase circuit. This is crucial for ensuring complete isolation of the circuit when the breaker trips.

This 2-pole configuration is standard for single-phase AC circuits to ensure comprehensive protection and compliance with safety standards.

What is the significance of the 300mA rating?

The 300mA rating refers to the residual current sensitivity of the device. It indicates the minimum leakage current that will cause the RCD function to trip and disconnect the circuit.

A 300mA rating is typically considered a "fire protection" or "line protection" setting. It is generally used to protect electrical installations or specific circuits from the risk of fire caused by persistent earth faults.

This is a higher sensitivity than the 30mA typically used for personal protection against electric shock, making it suitable for protecting larger sections of an installation or equipment where preventing fire is the primary concern.

What is the warranty period for Siemens 5SV3 Series MCBs?

Siemens generally offers a standard warranty for its electrical components, typically ranging from 12 to 24 months from the date of purchase or installation. However, the exact warranty period can vary depending on the region, specific distributor, and the terms and conditions of sale.

To obtain precise warranty information for the Siemens 5SV3612-8, it is advisable to consult the product documentation provided by Siemens or contact an authorized Siemens distributor. They can provide details on the warranty duration and any specific coverage limitations.

Ensuring proper installation and adherence to operating guidelines is crucial, as warranty coverage often depends on the product being used within its specified parameters and installed by qualified personnel.