Siemens 5SY6316-7CC High Load Miniature Circuit Breaker 3P 16A

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The Siemens 5SY6316-7CC stands as a robust and reliable solution for overcurrent protection in demanding industrial and commercial environments. This three-pole, 16A miniature circuit breaker (MCB) from the renowned SENTRON series offers a breaking capacity of 6kA, ensuring safety and operational continuity. Its Type C tripping characteristic makes it ideal for circuits with moderate inductive loads, providing a balance between protection and nuisance tripping. Engineered for resilience, the 5SY6316-7CC is built to withstand industrial conditions, featuring a shock and vibration-resistant design and an operating temperature range of -25°C to +55°C. With easy snap-on mounting to a 35mm DIN rail and tool-free installation, it streamlines electrical panel assembly.

Siemens 5SY6316-7CC: Technical Specifications

| Feature                      | Specification                                       |

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

| Article Number           | 5SY6316-7CC                                         |

| Product Family           | SENTRON, Basic Devices                              |

| Type                     | Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB)                     |

| Poles                    | 3 (Three-pole)                                      |

| Rated Current (In)       | 16 A                                                |

| Breaking Capacity (Icn)  | 6 kA (according to EN 60898)                        |

| Tripping Characteristic  | Type C                                              |

| Rated Voltage (Ue)       | 400 V AC                                            |

| Insulation Voltage (Ui)  | 440 V AC                                            |

| Frequency                | 50/60 Hz                                            |

| Overvoltage Category     | III                                                 |

| Degree of Pollution      | 3                                                   |

| Protection Class (IP)    | IP20 (with connected conductors)                    |

| Energy Limitation Class  | 3                                                   |

| Power Loss (per pole)    | 1.6 W                                               |

| Mounting Type            | 35mm DIN Rail (snap-on mechanism)                   |

| Width per Pole Unit      | 3                                                   |

| Mechanical Service Life  | 10,000 switching cycles (typical)                   |

| Operating Temperature    | -25°C to +55°C                                      |

| Dimensions (Approximate) | 90 mm (Height) x 54 mm (Width) x 76 mm (Depth) |

| Net Weight               | 0.480 Kg                                   |

| Certifications           | EN 60898, VDE 0641, IEC 60947-2            |

| Halogen-free             | Yes                                                 |

| Sealable                 | Yes                                                 |

| Silicon-free             | Yes                                                 |

Core Features & Market Positioning

The Siemens 5SY6316-7CC is positioned as a high-performance supplementary protector, designed to offer an additional layer of safety beyond standard branch circuit protection devices. Its key differentiator lies in its rapid tripping capabilities for both overloads and short circuits, utilizing a dual thermal-magnetic release system. This ensures swift disconnection, minimizing damage to sensitive equipment and reducing the risk of fire hazards. The Type C characteristic provides a valuable advantage for industrial control circuits and applications with moderate inrush currents, preventing nuisance tripping while maintaining robust protection. Siemens' reputation for quality and reliability in industrial automation and power distribution solidifies the 5SY6316-7CC's market standing as a trusted component for critical electrical infrastructure.

Key Application Scenarios

This three-pole MCB is exceptionally well-suited for a variety of industrial and commercial applications where reliable overcurrent protection is paramount. Its 16A rating and Type C curve make it an excellent choice for:

  Motor Control Circuits: Providing selective protection for multiple motor control circuits on the secondary side of control transformers or power supplies. This allows for quick identification and isolation of a fault without shutting down the entire system.  Distribution Boards and Panelboards: Serving as a primary protective device in industrial distribution panels, ensuring the safety of circuits feeding machinery, lighting, and other essential equipment.  Control Systems: Protecting sensitive electronic components and control circuitry within automated systems, where precise and rapid fault response is critical.  General Building Installations: Offering dependable protection for circuits in non-residential and residential buildings that require higher levels of safety and performance.  Supplementary Protection: Used in conjunction with a main branch circuit protection device to offer enhanced protection for specific loads or sensitive equipment within a panel.

Practical System Integration Guidance

Integrating the Siemens 5SY6316-7CC into existing electrical systems is straightforward due to its user-friendly design. The MCB features identical terminals on both sides, allowing for optional infeed from the top or bottom, providing flexibility during installation. Mounting is facilitated by a snap-on mechanism for direct attachment to a standard 35mm DIN rail, requiring no special tools for installation or removal.

For secure connections, the screw-type terminals accept conductor cross-sections ranging from 0.75 mm² to 35 mm² for solid and stranded conductors, and up to 25 mm² for finely stranded conductors with core end processing. The recommended tightening torque for these terminals is between 2.5 and 3.5 Nm, ensuring a reliable electrical connection. The product is halogen-free and silicon-free, adhering to modern environmental and safety standards.

Operation and Risk Mitigation

The Siemens 5SY6316-7CC operates by employing a dual protection mechanism: a time-dependent thermal release for low overcurrents and an instantaneous electromagnetic release for high overload and short-circuit currents. The thermal trip point is typically set between 1.13 to 1.45 times the rated current, while the magnetic trip point for a Type C characteristic is between 5 to 10 times the rated current. This ensures that the breaker trips reliably under fault conditions, preventing electrical fires, damage to equipment, and potential injury to personnel.

The IP20 protection class signifies that the device is protected against solid objects larger than 12mm, meaning it's safe to touch with fingers, and is suitable for use in environments where exposed live parts need to be guarded. Should a fault occur, the separate switch position indication clearly shows whether the breaker is in the ON, OFF, or tripped state, simplifying troubleshooting. For enhanced safety and diagnostics, optional accessories such as auxiliary switches and fault signal contacts can be integrated, providing remote indication and status monitoring.

Scalability & Long-Term Value

The Siemens 5SY6316-7CC offers significant long-term value through its compatibility and integration capabilities within the broader Siemens SENTRON product ecosystem. As a core component in power distribution, it seamlessly integrates with other Siemens devices, including auxiliary switches and fault signal contacts, allowing for expanded functionality and system monitoring. While specific upgrade paths are not detailed for this particular MCB, Siemens' commitment to developing intelligent and connected electrical solutions means that devices like the 5SY6316-7CC can be foundational elements for future integration into smart grids and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) platforms, facilitating enhanced data acquisition and remote management capabilities. Its robust construction and adherence to international standards ensure a long operational lifespan, minimizing replacement costs and maintaining system integrity over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the primary function of the Siemens 5SY6316-7CC circuit breaker?

The Siemens 5SY6316-7CC is a miniature circuit breaker designed for overcurrent protection. It safeguards electrical circuits from damage caused by overloads and short circuits. Its three-pole design makes it suitable for three-phase power systems.

Its main role is to automatically interrupt the flow of electricity when a fault condition is detected. This prevents overheating of wires, damage to equipment, and reduces the risk of electrical fires. It is a crucial safety device in industrial and commercial electrical installations.

The 5SY6316-7CC features a Type C tripping characteristic, meaning it trips between 5 to 10 times its rated current. This makes it ideal for circuits with moderate inductive loads or equipment that experiences higher inrush currents.

Q2: What are the key technical specifications of the 5SY6316-7CC?

This MCB has a 16A rated current and a 6kA breaking capacity. It is a three-pole (3P) device with a Type C tripping characteristic. The operating voltage is 400V AC.

It offers a high insulation voltage of 440V AC and operates on a 50/60 Hz frequency. The device has an IP20 protection rating and an energy limitation class of 3.

Other important specifications include a power loss of 1.6W per pole, a mechanical service life of 10,000 cycles, and an operating temperature range of -25°C to +55°C.

Q3: Where is the Siemens 5SY6316-7CC typically used?

The 5SY6316-7CC is commonly used in industrial applications, motor control circuits, and distribution boards. Its Type C characteristic makes it suitable for circuits with moderate inductive loads.

It serves as a reliable protective device for machinery, control panels, and general electrical distribution in commercial buildings. It can also function as a supplementary protector alongside a main branch circuit breaker.

This MCB is also employed in non-residential and residential buildings where enhanced safety and performance are required, ensuring protection against common electrical faults.

Q4: How is the 5SY6316-7CC installed?

Installation is straightforward, featuring a snap-on mechanism for easy mounting onto a 35mm DIN rail without tools. The terminals accept a wide range of conductor sizes, from 0.75mm² to 35mm².

The breaker allows for flexible infeed, with terminals on both the top and bottom sides. Connections can be made with solid, stranded, or finely stranded conductors.

A tightening torque of 2.5 to 3.5 Nm is recommended for secure screw-type terminal connections. The device is designed for any mounting position.

Q5: What does "Type C" tripping characteristic mean for this circuit breaker?

A Type C tripping characteristic indicates that the circuit breaker will trip magnetically when the current reaches 5 to 10 times its rated current (16A in this case). This is a moderate trip sensitivity.

This characteristic is designed to handle moderate inrush currents commonly found in inductive loads, such as motors or transformers. It provides protection without causing nuisance tripping under normal start-up conditions.

Compared to Type B (2-5 times rated current), Type C offers higher tolerance for inrush, making it suitable for a broader range of industrial equipment and control circuits.

Q6: What is the breaking capacity of the 5SY6316-7CC, and why is it important?

The breaking capacity of the Siemens 5SY6316-7CC is 6 kA, as per EN 60898 standards. This figure represents the maximum fault current the breaker can safely interrupt without sustaining damage.

A higher breaking capacity is crucial in industrial environments where fault currents can be significantly higher than in residential settings. It ensures the breaker can safely interrupt a short circuit, preventing catastrophic damage to the breaker itself and the electrical system.

This 6kA rating is considered adequate for many standard industrial and commercial applications, providing robust protection against severe fault conditions.

Q7: Can the Siemens 5SY6316-7CC be sealed?

Yes, the Siemens 5SY6316-7CC circuit breaker is designed to be sealable. This feature allows for tamper-proofing and security in certain applications.

Sealing the breaker ensures that its settings or operational status cannot be altered without breaking the seal. This is often used in critical systems or where compliance with specific regulations requires it.

The ability to seal the breaker adds an extra layer of control and security, making it suitable for environments where unauthorized adjustments are a concern.

Q8: What is the protection class (IP rating) of this circuit breaker?

The Siemens 5SY6316-7CC has an IP20 protection class rating. This means it is protected against solid objects greater than 12mm in size and offers no protection against water.

The IP20 rating ensures that live parts are protected against accidental contact with fingers or larger tools. It is suitable for installation in enclosures or panels where this level of protection is adequate.

For environments requiring higher ingress protection (e.g., against dust or water), an appropriate enclosure or higher IP-rated device would be necessary.

Q9: Does this circuit breaker support neutral conductor switching?

No, the Siemens 5SY6316-7CC does not support neutral conductor switching. It is designed as a three-pole breaker, meaning it switches all three live conductors simultaneously.

In systems requiring neutral conductor switching, a separate device or a specialized multi-pole breaker with a neutral pole would be needed. The neutral conductor is typically bonded to ground at the service entrance.

This design is standard for MCBs intended for direct switching of three-phase loads where a switched neutral is not a requirement for the protective function.

Q10: What supplementary devices can be installed with the 5SY6316-7CC?

The 5SY6316-7CC supports the installation of supplementary devices, such as auxiliary switches and fault signal contacts. These can be mounted on the side of the breaker.

Optional accessories like remote operating mechanisms (e.g., 5ST3073-0MC) are also available, enabling remote control and status indication of the breaker's state.

These supplementary devices enhance the functionality of the circuit breaker, allowing for integration into monitoring systems, alarm functions, and remote operational control.