Siemens 5SY6213-7CC Miniature Protection Circuit Breaker Switch 2P 13A

The Siemens 5SY6213-7CC Miniature Protection Circuit Breaker Switch (2P, 13A) stands as a robust and reliable component for safeguarding electrical circuits across various industrial and commercial applications. Engineered for precision and durability, this two-pole breaker offers essential overcurrent protection, ensuring the integrity of electrical systems and preventing damage from faults. Its compact design and adherence to stringent safety standards make it a preferred choice for panel builders, electricians, and system integrators seeking dependable circuit protection solutions.

Product Specifications

| Feature             | Specification                                   |

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

| Product Type        | Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB)                 |

| Manufacturer        | Siemens                                         |

| Series              | 5SY6                                            |

| Poles               | 2                                               |

| Rated Current       | 13A                                             |

| Breaking Capacity   | 6 kA (IEC 60898-1)                              |

| Tripping Curve      | C                                               |

| Voltage Rating      | 230/400V AC                                     |

| Frequency           | 50/60 Hz                                        |

| Terminal Type       | Screw terminals                                 |

| Mounting Type       | DIN rail (35mm)                                 |

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

| Protection Class    | IP20                                            |

| Compliance          | IEC 60898-1, IEC 60947-2, EN 60898-1, EN 60947-2 |

Core Features & Market Positioning

The Siemens 5SY6213-7CC leverages Siemens' extensive expertise in electrical engineering, positioning itself as a high-quality, cost-effective solution for general-purpose circuit protection. Its 'C' tripping curve is specifically designed to handle moderate inductive loads common in motor starting applications, offering a balance between sensitivity to short circuits and immunity to nuisance tripping from inrush currents. This makes it a versatile choice, distinguishing it from breakers with 'B' or 'D' curves for specific applications. The 6 kA breaking capacity is a critical parameter, indicating the maximum fault current the breaker can interrupt safely without sustaining damage, a standard requirement for many residential and light commercial installations. Its robust construction ensures long operational life and consistent performance, a hallmark of Siemens industrial-grade components.

Key Application Scenarios

This 2-pole, 13A MCB finds extensive use in protecting individual circuits within distribution boards for commercial buildings, small industrial facilities, and even demanding residential applications. It is particularly well-suited for circuits supplying lighting, sockets, small appliances, and motors that draw currents up to 13A and exhibit moderate inrush characteristics. Common scenarios include safeguarding branch circuits in offices, retail spaces, workshops, and utility rooms where reliable overcurrent and short-circuit protection is paramount. Its suitability for 230/400V AC systems makes it compatible with standard power grids across numerous regions.

Practical System Integration Guidance

Integrating the Siemens 5SY6213-7CC into an electrical system is a straightforward process due to its standard DIN rail mounting and familiar terminal configurations. Installers should ensure the breaker is securely clipped onto a 35mm symmetrical top hat DIN rail within a suitable enclosure. Connection of line and neutral conductors to the appropriate terminals is critical; always adhere to local wiring regulations and ensure conductors are correctly stripped and securely fastened under the screw terminals to prevent loose connections, which can lead to overheating and potential hazards. Before energizing the circuit, double-check all wiring for correctness and integrity.

Operation and Risk Mitigation

The primary function of the Siemens 5SY6213-7CC is to automatically interrupt the flow of current when it exceeds safe levels, either due to an overload condition or a short circuit. Overloads occur when too many devices are connected to a circuit, drawing more current than it can safely handle over an extended period, leading to overheating. Short circuits are sudden, low-resistance paths for current, causing a rapid surge that can be highly destructive. When a fault is detected, the breaker's internal mechanism trips, opening the circuit and preventing damage to wiring, connected equipment, and mitigating fire risks. To reset the breaker, identify and rectify the cause of the fault, then manually switch the breaker handle back to the 'ON' position. Nuisance tripping, especially on initial load energization, may indicate a need to re-evaluate the tripping curve or circuit load.

Scalability & Long-Term Value

As part of Siemens' comprehensive range of low-voltage protection devices, the 5SY6213-7CC offers significant long-term value through its compatibility with other Siemens components and its robust design. While this specific model is a fixed-rating breaker, its integration into a larger Siemens electrical system allows for future expansions or upgrades by adding more breakers of appropriate ratings or incorporating advanced protection and monitoring devices from the wider Siemens portfolio. The enduring quality of Siemens products ensures reliable performance over an extended service life, minimizing replacement costs and contributing to the overall stability and efficiency of the electrical infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the tripping curve of the Siemens 5SY6213-7CC?

The Siemens 5SY6213-7CC features a 'C' type tripping curve. This curve is designed for circuits with moderate inductive loads, such as small motors or fluorescent lighting ballasts. It allows for higher inrush currents during startup without tripping prematurely, while still providing rapid protection against short circuits.

This type of curve offers a good balance between sensitivity to faults and immunity to transient overcurrents. It is a common choice for commercial and industrial applications where equipment startup can temporarily draw more current than its steady-state operating level.

Understanding the 'C' curve helps in selecting the appropriate breaker for specific equipment, preventing unnecessary downtime and ensuring operational reliability.

What is the breaking capacity of the Siemens 5SY6213-7CC?

The breaking capacity of the Siemens 5SY6213-7CC is rated at 6 kA according to IEC 60898-1. This signifies that the breaker can safely interrupt a short-circuit current of up to 6,000 amperes without damage.

This level of breaking capacity is suitable for many standard residential and light commercial electrical installations where fault currents are not expected to exceed this threshold. It ensures the safety of the electrical system and prevents extensive damage in the event of a severe fault.

When specifying circuit breakers, it is crucial to match the breaking capacity to the potential fault current at the point of installation to guarantee adequate protection.

Can the Siemens 5SY6213-7CC be used for DC circuits?

The Siemens 5SY6213-7CC is designed and rated for AC (Alternating Current) circuits, typically operating at 230/400V. It is not intended for use in DC (Direct Current) applications.

Using an AC-rated circuit breaker in a DC circuit can lead to improper operation, potential arcing, and failure to interrupt the circuit effectively. DC circuits have different arc extinction characteristics compared to AC circuits.

For DC applications, it is essential to use circuit breakers specifically designed and certified for DC voltage and current ratings to ensure safety and proper protection.