Siemens 3VA1080-3ED32-0AA0 Motor Protection Molded Case Circuit Breaker 80A 3P 25kA

The Siemens 3VA1080-3ED32-0AA0 is an 80A, 3-pole, 25kA molded case circuit breaker designed for robust motor protection. It offers superior thermal and magnetic trip units for precise overload and short-circuit safeguarding, ensuring operational continuity and equipment longevity. With its compact design and high breaking capacity, this breaker is engineered for demanding industrial environments, providing reliable safety and performance.

Product Specifications

| Parameter               | Value                                         |

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

| Product Type            | Molded Case Circuit Breaker                   |

| Series                  | 3VA1                                          |

| Model Number            | 3VA1080-3ED32-0AA0                            |

| Rated Current (In)      | 80 A                                          |

| Number of Poles         | 3                                             |

| Breaking Capacity (Icu) | 25 kA                                         |

| Trip Unit Type          | Thermal-magnetic (ETU)                        |

| Adjustable Thermal Trip | Yes                                           |

| Adjustable Magnetic Trip| Yes                                           |

| Voltage Rating          | 400/415 V AC                                  |

| Frequency               | 50/60 Hz                                      |

| Mounting                | DIN rail or panel mounting                    |

| Protection Class        | IP20 (terminal area), IP40 (enclosure)        |

| Standards Compliance    | IEC 60947-2, IEC 60947-4-1                      |

Core Features & Market Positioning

The Siemens 3VA1080-3ED32-0AA0 stands out in the motor protection market due to its highly accurate and adjustable thermal-magnetic trip unit. This feature allows for precise setting of overload protection, minimizing nuisance tripping while ensuring effective safeguarding against sustained overcurrents that can damage motors. Its robust construction and high breaking capacity of 25kA provide a significant safety margin in fault conditions, a critical factor in industrial automation and heavy machinery applications. Compared to simpler thermal overloads, the 3VA series offers enhanced diagnostics and integration capabilities, positioning it as a premium solution for applications demanding reliability and advanced protection.

Key Application Scenarios

This Siemens molded case circuit breaker is ideally suited for protecting electric motors in a wide range of industrial sectors. Common applications include safeguarding pumps and fans in water treatment plants, protecting conveyor systems in logistics and manufacturing, and securing machine tools in fabrication shops. It's also a viable choice for HVAC systems in commercial buildings and for compressors in industrial refrigeration units. Its 3-pole design is standard for three-phase motor circuits, offering comprehensive protection against phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground faults.

Practical System Integration Guidance

Integrating the Siemens 3VA1080-3ED32-0AA0 into existing control panels is straightforward, leveraging standard DIN rail mounting or direct panel mounting with appropriate accessories. The breaker features clearly labeled line and load terminals for simplified wiring. For motor protection, it is typically installed upstream of the motor starter (contactor). The adjustable thermal element should be set according to the motor's full-load current (FLA), typically between 100% and 115% of the FLA, based on motor nameplate data and application requirements. The magnetic trip can be adjusted to prevent premature tripping during motor start-up surges while still providing rapid response to short circuits. For advanced systems, auxiliary contacts can be wired to signaling devices or PLC input modules to indicate the breaker's status (tripped or closed).

Operation and Risk Mitigation

Operating the Siemens 3VA1080-3ED32-0AA0 involves a simple manual trip lever, which can be pressed to disconnect power. Resetting the breaker after a trip requires pulling the lever down to the "reset" position and then pushing it up to the "on" position. To mitigate risks, it's crucial to ensure the breaker's rated current and breaking capacity exceed the circuit's requirements. Regular visual inspections for damage or signs of overheating are recommended. In case of a trip, investigate the cause of the overload or short circuit before resetting. Do not bypass or tamper with the trip unit settings beyond the specified adjustment ranges, as this compromises safety and equipment protection.

Scalability & Long-Term Value

The Siemens 3VA series, including the 3VA1080-3ED32-0AA0, offers good scalability and long-term value within Siemens' broader industrial automation ecosystem. While this specific model is a fixed-thermal-magnetic unit, its compatibility with a range of accessories, such as auxiliary and signaling contacts, allows for enhanced monitoring and integration into sophisticated control systems. For applications requiring more advanced protection or communication capabilities, the 3VA family offers variants with electronic trip units (ETUs) that support digital communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Profibus). This ensures that as a facility's needs evolve towards digitalization and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), its protection infrastructure can be upgraded or expanded seamlessly, maintaining consistent performance and safety standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Siemens 3VA1080-3ED32-0AA0?

This circuit breaker's primary role is protecting electric motors from overloads and short circuits. It ensures operational safety by interrupting the power supply when fault conditions arise, preventing damage.

How do you adjust the thermal setting on this breaker?

You adjust the thermal setting using a dial or screw located on the front of the breaker. Consult the manual for precise location and typical adjustment ranges.

What does 80A, 3P, and 25kA signify?

80A is the rated current capacity, 3P denotes three poles for three-phase power, and 25kA is the short-circuit breaking capacity. These are key protective parameters.

Can this breaker be used for general power distribution?

While primarily designed for motor protection, its specifications allow for use in some general power distribution circuits with similar load characteristics. Verify suitability against specific circuit requirements.

What are the advantages of adjustable trip settings?

Adjustable settings allow fine-tuning protection to match motor FLA precisely, preventing nuisance trips and ensuring optimal equipment safeguarding. This flexibility is crucial.

How does this breaker compare to a thermal overload relay?

Circuit breakers offer both overload and short-circuit protection with a higher breaking capacity. Overload relays typically only provide overload protection.

What accessories are available for the 3VA1080-3ED32-0AA0?

Common accessories include auxiliary contacts for status signaling and shunt trip releases for remote tripping. These enhance integration capabilities.

What standards does the 3VA1080-3ED32-0AA0 comply with?

It complies with international standards such as IEC 60947-2 and IEC 60947-4-1. This ensures reliable performance and safety.

How is this breaker mounted in a panel?

It can be mounted on a standard 35mm DIN rail or directly to a panel using appropriate mounting kits. Installation is flexible for various panel designs.

What maintenance is required for this breaker?

Regular visual inspection for damage and dust is recommended. Periodic testing of trip functions may be necessary based on site safety protocols.