The Siemens 5SU1656-7KK16 is a highly reliable Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) designed for robust earth leakage protection. This 16A, 300mA, 1-pole + neutral device with a Type C tripping characteristic offers essential safety in diverse electrical installations. Its primary advantages lie in its advanced tripping technology, compact design, and adherence to stringent international safety standards, ensuring superior protection against electric shock and fire hazards.
Siemens 5SU1656-7KK16: Product Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| :----------------------- | :------------------------------------------ |
| Product Type | Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) |
| Siemens Model Number | 5SU1656-7KK16 |
| Rated Current (Ie) | 16 A |
| Rated Residual Current (IΔn) | 300 mA |
| Number of Poles | 1P + N (1 Pole + Neutral) |
| Tripping Characteristic | Type C |
| Rated Voltage (Ue) | 230/400 V |
| Frequency | 50/60 Hz |
| Breaking Capacity (Icn) | 10 kA |
| Insulation Voltage (Ui) | 500 V |
| Impulse Withstand Voltage (Uimp) | 4 kV |
| Terminal Type | Screw Terminals |
| Wiring Configuration | Top-to-Bottom or Bottom-to-Top |
| Mounting Type | DIN Rail (35mm) |
| Protection Class | IP20 (with cover) |
| Operating Temperature | -25°C to +45°C |
| Standards Compliance | IEC/EN 61009-1, IEC/EN 61009-2-1 |
Core Features & Market Positioning
The Siemens 5SU1656-7KK16 distinguishes itself through its high-quality manufacturing and robust performance, positioning it as a premium solution for critical safety applications. Its Type C tripping characteristic is particularly advantageous, offering enhanced immunity to nuisance tripping caused by inrush currents from inductive loads, such as motors or transformers, while still providing rapid detection of dangerous earth faults. This makes it a preferred choice for industrial and commercial settings where equipment reliability is paramount. The integrated overcurrent protection, a feature of RCBOs but often sought in RCCB applications, is a key differentiator when evaluating total protective devices.
Key Application Scenarios
This Siemens RCCB is ideally suited for protecting circuits in residential, commercial, and industrial environments where the risk of electric shock is present. Its 300mA sensitivity is designed for general circuit protection, safeguarding against fire hazards and providing essential personal protection. Typical applications include protecting lighting circuits, socket outlets, and circuits supplying appliances with moderate inductive loads, such as pumps or fans. It's a vital component in ensuring compliance with electrical safety regulations in buildings and facilities.
Practical System Integration Guidance
Integrating the Siemens 5SU1656-7KK16 is straightforward due to its standard DIN rail mounting and accessible screw terminals. For proper installation, ensure the main power supply is disconnected before wiring. The line (live) conductor should be connected to the terminal marked 'L' and the neutral conductor to the terminal marked 'N'. It is crucial to correctly identify and connect the incoming power to the load side terminals and the outgoing protected circuit to the other side. Double-check all connections for tightness and correct polarity to prevent operational issues and ensure safety.
Operation and Risk Mitigation
The 5SU1656-7KK16 operates by continuously monitoring the current flowing through the live and neutral conductors. If an imbalance occurs—indicating current is leaking to earth, potentially through a person—the RCCB rapidly trips, interrupting the circuit. This significantly reduces the risk of severe electric shock or fire. In the event of a fault, the "ON/OFF" lever will move to the "OFF" position. To reset, ensure the fault condition is rectified, then firmly push the lever upwards to the "ON" position. Regular testing using a dedicated RCCB tester is recommended to verify its operational integrity and ensure continued protection.
Scalability & Long-Term Value
As part of Siemens' extensive range of electrical safety devices, the 5SU1656-7KK16 offers excellent compatibility with other Siemens components within the same product family. This ensures seamless integration into existing or new electrical distribution boards and systems. While RCCBs themselves are not directly scalable in terms of "capacity" without replacement, their integration into larger Siemens industrial control and automation platforms, such as the SIMATIC ecosystem, allows for enhanced monitoring and remote diagnostics when combined with smart metering and communication modules. This future-proofs installations and contributes to long-term operational efficiency and predictive maintenance strategies.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the primary function of the Siemens 5SU1656-7KK16 RCCB?
This device provides essential protection against earth leakage faults. It safeguards users from electric shock by quickly interrupting power.
It also helps prevent fires caused by insulation failures. The 16A rating is suitable for various circuit loads.
The 300mA residual current sensitivity is a key safety parameter for its operation.
How does the Type C tripping characteristic benefit an installation?
Type C breakers tolerate higher inrush currents from inductive loads. This reduces nuisance tripping of equipment like motors or transformers.
It ensures continuous operation for sensitive machinery. Yet, it still reacts swiftly to dangerous earth faults.
This makes the 5SU1656-7KK16 ideal for industrial and commercial use.
What are the key technical specifications for the 5SU1656-7KK16?
The RCCB has a rated current of 16A and a residual current sensitivity of 300mA. It is a 1-pole + neutral device.
It operates at 230/400V and has a breaking capacity of 10 kA. Compliance with IEC/EN standards is assured.
Key features include DIN rail mounting and screw terminals for easy installation.
Can the Siemens 5SU1656-7KK16 be used for overload protection?
No, this unit is primarily an RCCB for earth leakage protection. It does not provide overload protection.
For combined earth leakage and overload protection, an RCBO is required. Check the product's designation carefully.
It must be paired with a suitable miniature circuit breaker (MCB) if overload protection is needed.
What is the correct wiring procedure for this RCCB?
Ensure power is off before wiring. Connect line and neutral inputs to the designated terminals.
Outgoing protected circuit conductors connect to the output terminals. Always verify correct polarity and tight connections.
Follow the line-to-load terminal configuration as indicated on the device.
How often should the Siemens 5SU1656-7KK16 be tested?
Regular testing is crucial for maintaining safety. It is recommended to test monthly or quarterly.
Use a dedicated RCCB test button or an external tester. This verifies the tripping mechanism.
Record test results to ensure ongoing compliance and reliability.
What scenarios necessitate a 300mA residual current rating?
A 300mA rating is typically for main distribution or fire protection. It offers a balance of sensitivity and preventing nuisance trips.
It provides protection against fire hazards from persistent earth faults. It is a common choice for general building installations.
This rating is suitable for circuits where personal protection is not the absolute primary concern over fire safety.
How do I reset the Siemens 5SU1656-7KK16 after a trip?
First, identify and rectify the cause of the earth leakage fault. Ensure the circuit is safe to re-energize.
Then, firmly push the ON/OFF lever upwards to the ON position. If it trips again, the fault persists.
Consult a qualified electrician if the fault cannot be identified or resolved.
Is this RCCB compatible with other Siemens electrical components?
Yes, the 5SU1656-7KK16 is designed for compatibility within the Siemens electrical system. It integrates well with their distribution boards and other protection devices.
This ensures a cohesive and reliable electrical installation. It leverages Siemens' reputation for quality.
It can be part of larger smart building or industrial automation systems.
What are the environmental operating conditions for this product?
The Siemens 5SU1656-7KK16 can operate in temperatures ranging from -25°C to +45°C. It has an IP20 protection class when its cover is closed.
Ensure the installation environment is dry and free from excessive dust or corrosive substances. Proper ventilation is important for thermal performance.
Adhering to these conditions ensures the longevity and reliability of the device.