Siemens 5SV3346-6 Miniature Circuit Breaker 4P 63A 30mA

The Siemens 5SV3346-6 Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) is a robust 4-pole, 63A, 30mA Residual Current Device (RCD) designed for superior electrical protection. This advanced MCB offers rapid fault detection and disconnection, safeguarding personnel from electric shock and preventing equipment damage due to earth faults. Its high breaking capacity ensures reliable performance even under demanding fault conditions. Key technical parameters include a rated voltage of 400V AC, a rated current of 63A, and a rated residual operating current of 30mA, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. The 5SV3346-6 is engineered for operational efficiency and long-term reliability, representing a significant advancement in electrical safety technology.

Product Specifications

| Feature                     | Specification                      |

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

| Product Type                | Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB)    |

| Poles                       | 4                                  |

| Rated Current (In)          | 63A                                |

| Rated Residual Operating Current (IΔn) | 30mA                               |

| Rated Voltage (Un)          | 400V AC                            |

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

| Breaking Capacity (Icn)     | 6kA                                |

| Frequency                   | 50/60 Hz                           |

| Protection Class            | IP20 (enclosure), IP4X (terminals) |

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

| Mounting Type               | DIN rail (35mm)                    |

| Electrical Endurance        | 10,000 cycles                      |

| Mechanical Endurance        | 20,000 cycles                      |

Core Features & Market Positioning

The Siemens 5SV3346-6 MCB distinguishes itself through its reliable tripping behavior and robust construction, essential for critical electrical installations. Its Type AC characteristic ensures effective protection against sinusoidal AC residual currents, a common requirement in many industrial settings. The 6kA breaking capacity provides a substantial safety margin against short-circuit currents, positioning it as a dependable choice for environments where power quality and safety are paramount. This unit is part of Siemens' extensive portfolio of circuit protection devices, known for their quality, durability, and adherence to international standards, offering a competitive edge in the industrial electrical component market.

Key Application Scenarios

This 4-pole, 63A, 30mA RCD is exceptionally well-suited for main distribution boards in commercial buildings, providing essential protection for entire circuits against overload, short circuit, and earth leakage. In industrial facilities, it serves as a vital component for protecting machinery and personnel in areas with a higher risk of electrical faults, such as manufacturing floors or control cabinets. Its application extends to residential sub-distribution boards where enhanced safety is desired, particularly for circuits feeding sensitive electronic equipment or areas prone to moisture. The 5SV3346-6 is also frequently specified for backup power systems and renewable energy installations where reliable and sensitive fault detection is crucial.

Practical System Integration Guidance

Integrating the Siemens 5SV3346-6 MCB into existing electrical systems is straightforward due to its standard DIN rail mounting and terminal configurations. Ensure the main power supply conductors are connected to the line terminals (L1, L2, L3, L4) and the outgoing circuit conductors are connected to the load terminals, observing correct polarity. For optimal performance and safety, all connections must be securely tightened to the recommended torque specifications to prevent overheating and ensure reliable contact. It is crucial to verify the incoming voltage and frequency match the MCB's rated specifications before energizing the circuit. The device’s inherent sensitivity to earth faults makes it ideal for protecting circuits where personnel exposure to live conductors is a concern.

Operation and Risk Mitigation

The primary function of the Siemens 5SV3346-6 is to disconnect power swiftly when a residual current exceeding 30mA is detected, thereby preventing electric shock. This residual current tripping mechanism is a critical safety feature for personnel. Overload protection is achieved through thermal tripping, activated by sustained overcurrents, while short-circuit protection is provided by magnetic tripping, which responds instantaneously to very high fault currents. Regular testing of the RCD function using the integrated test button is highly recommended to ensure its continued operational integrity and mitigate risks associated with device malfunction. Proper wiring and adherence to electrical codes are fundamental to safe operation.

Scalability & Long-Term Value

The Siemens 5SV3346-6 MCB is designed with backward compatibility in mind, allowing for seamless integration into existing Siemens electrical distribution systems and a wide array of standard switchgear panels. Its robust design ensures a long operational lifespan, minimizing the need for frequent replacements and contributing to reduced total cost of ownership. While not directly supporting digital connectivity, its reliable performance in foundational electrical protection enhances the overall stability and safety of any electrical infrastructure. This foundational reliability is key to supporting future upgrades or expansions of electrical networks without compromising on safety or performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the primary function of the Siemens 5SV3346-6 MCB?

This device provides essential protection against electrical hazards. It safeguards against overcurrents, short circuits, and crucially, earth faults, preventing damage and injury.

Its residual current detection capability (30mA) is vital for personnel safety by quickly disconnecting power when a dangerous leakage current occurs. This ensures a higher level of electrical safety.

The MCB acts as a primary safety barrier, essential for compliance with electrical safety regulations in various commercial and industrial environments. It is a critical component for any reliable electrical distribution system.

Q2: How does the 30mA residual current rating benefit users?

A 30mA trip level is considered safe for human contact, significantly reducing the risk of electric shock. It provides a crucial layer of protection for individuals working near or interacting with electrical equipment.

This sensitivity allows the MCB to detect small but potentially dangerous leakage currents that might not trip a standard overcurrent device, thus preventing potential fires or equipment damage from persistent low-level faults.

It is a standard requirement for circuits in areas where water is present or where there is a higher risk of contact with live parts, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor installations, ensuring compliance.

Q3: What types of electrical faults can the Siemens 5SV3346-6 detect and protect against?

This MCB effectively protects against overloads, which are sustained current increases above the rated value, caused by too many devices or equipment malfunction. It also protects against short circuits, sudden, very high current surges that can cause significant damage.

Furthermore, its core strength lies in detecting residual or earth leakage currents. When current takes an unintended path to the ground, this MCB quickly trips to interrupt the circuit and prevent electrocution or fire hazards.

The device employs thermal tripping for overloads and magnetic tripping for short circuits, ensuring rapid and appropriate response to different fault conditions, thereby maintaining system integrity.

Q4: Is the Siemens 5SV3346-6 suitable for residential use?

Yes, this MCB is highly suitable for residential applications, especially for main distribution boards or sub-distribution boards. It offers enhanced safety beyond standard breakers.

Its 30mA sensitivity makes it ideal for circuits in kitchens, bathrooms, and areas with appliances that draw significant power or where water is a factor, providing crucial protection against electric shock.

For homeowners seeking superior safety and reliable circuit protection, this Siemens model provides robust performance, ensuring the protection of both property and family members from electrical hazards.

Q5: What is the breaking capacity (Icn) of this circuit breaker?

The Siemens 5SV3346-6 boasts a breaking capacity of 6kA. This means it can safely interrupt fault currents up to 6,000 Amperes without sustaining damage.

A higher breaking capacity is essential in industrial and commercial settings where fault currents can be significantly larger due to the robust power infrastructure present.

This 6kA rating ensures that the MCB can reliably handle typical fault conditions encountered in many standard installations, providing robust protection against severe short circuits.

Q6: How do I install the Siemens 5SV3346-6 MCB?

Installation requires mounting the MCB onto a standard 35mm DIN rail within a suitable enclosure. Ensure the enclosure provides adequate ventilation and protection.

Connect the incoming power supply conductors to the line terminals and the outgoing circuit conductors to the load terminals. Always observe correct polarity and tighten connections securely to the manufacturer's specified torque.

Before energizing, verify that the incoming voltage and frequency match the MCB's specifications and conduct a test of the residual current function using the integrated test button to confirm proper operation.

Q7: What does "4P" mean in the product name?

"4P" signifies that the circuit breaker is a 4-pole device. This means it has four separate switching poles, typically for a three-phase power supply plus a neutral conductor.

In a 4-pole configuration, all four conductors (three live phases and the neutral) are switched simultaneously. This ensures complete isolation of the circuit when the breaker trips or is manually switched off.

This type of MCB is commonly used in industrial applications where three-phase power is supplied and where it is essential to disconnect all conductors, including the neutral, for complete safety and isolation.

Q8: Can this MCB be used for DC circuits?

The Siemens 5SV3346-6 is designed for AC (Alternating Current) circuits, specifically with a rated voltage of 400V AC. It is not suitable for DC (Direct Current) applications.

Using an AC-rated device on a DC circuit can lead to unreliable operation, failure to trip, and potential safety hazards, as the arc extinction mechanisms are different for AC and DC.

Always ensure that the circuit breaker's specifications match the type of current (AC or DC) and voltage of the electrical system it is intended to protect.

Q9: What is the expected lifespan of this MCB?

This MCB is engineered for durability and long-term reliability, featuring electrical endurance typically rated for 10,000 switching cycles and mechanical endurance for 20,000 cycles.

Under normal operating conditions and with regular testing, the device is expected to provide dependable protection for many years, contributing to a lower total cost of ownership.

Its robust construction and quality materials from Siemens ensure resilience against environmental factors and consistent performance over its intended service life, minimizing maintenance needs.

Q10: How often should I test the residual current function?

It is recommended to test the residual current function of the Siemens 5SV3346-6 monthly using the integrated test button. This ensures the tripping mechanism is functioning correctly.

Regular testing is crucial for maintaining the highest level of personal safety and for ensuring compliance with electrical safety regulations and standards in many jurisdictions.

If the MCB fails to trip during a test, it indicates a potential fault with the device, and it should be immediately taken out of service and replaced by a qualified electrician.