Siemens 3RV2011-1AA10 — Motor Protector Specs & Selection Guide

By Abdullah Zahid
13 min read
Siemens 3RV2011-1AA10 S00 motor protection circuit breaker Class 10 screw terminal three-phase DOL starter

Siemens 3RV2011-1AA10 Circuit-Breaker SZ S00 for Motor Protection — Complete Specs, Selection Guide and Alternatives

When a three-phase motor in a pump, conveyor, or HVAC system needs protection and the nameplate shows a full-load current between 1.1 and 1.6A, the selection decision usually comes down fast: confirm the thermal range fits, verify upstream coordination at 21A instantaneous, and order. The Siemens 3RV2011-1AA10 is a Class 10 motor protection circuit breaker in size S00 that combines adjustable thermal overload, fixed 21A instantaneous short-circuit release, and phase failure detection in a single screw-terminal housing rated to 690V AC — eliminating the need for a separate thermal relay, magnetic breaker, and fused disconnect in compact motor branch circuits.

If you have already confirmed this is the right part, check current pricing and availability at LeadTime.ca — ships worldwide.

Does the Siemens 3RV2011-1AA10 Fit Your Application?

This model is the correct choice when all of the following conditions apply to your motor branch circuit:

  • Motor nameplate full-load current falls within the 1.1–1.6A adjustable thermal release range — not above, not below
  • Three-phase AC supply at 400V, 500V, or 690V is confirmed; single-phase and DC circuits are not supported
  • Upstream protection device is rated above 21A so the 3RV2011-1AA10 instantaneous release coordinates correctly in a cascading scheme
  • Motor branch conductors are 18–14 AWG or 12 AWG and fit the screw-type main circuit terminals without adapters
  • Class 10 trip timing (5–8 seconds hold at 1.2x overload setting) suits standard induction motor starting without nuisance trips
  • No auxiliary contacts or remote trip signaling are required — this base model carries no integrated accessory switching

If your motor FLA is 2.4–3.2A, the correct selection is the 3RV2021-1AA10. If you need adjustable instantaneous release or auxiliary contacts, see the variant comparison section below before ordering.

On this page:

What the Siemens 3RV2011-1AA10 Actually Does in a Motor Branch Circuit

The 3RV2011-1AA10 is a three-pole Class 10 motor protection circuit breaker in Siemens size S00, catalogued under the SIRIUS 3RV2 Motor Protection Switches family. Its job is straightforward: sit between the incoming three-phase supply and a small AC motor, and automatically disconnect the circuit under two distinct fault conditions — sustained thermal overload and instantaneous short-circuit. What makes it worth specifying over a separate thermal relay and magnetic breaker combination is that both protection mechanisms, along with phase failure detection, are packaged in a single S00 housing with screw-type terminals and a rated breaking capacity of 10kA at voltages up to 690V AC.

The thermal A-release is adjustable across 1.1–1.6A, set by a dial on the front of the unit to match the motor nameplate FLA. It responds to sustained overcurrent from mechanical overload, bearing friction, phase imbalance, or thermal buildup in the motor windings. The instantaneous N-release is fixed at 21A and responds within milliseconds to high-magnitude fault currents caused by cable or winding short circuits — clearing the fault before the thermal mechanism even registers the event. This two-layer architecture means the device protects the motor during normal run conditions and protects the cable and switchgear during fault conditions without requiring any external relay logic or control power. The mechanism is fully electromechanical, with no coil voltage requirement.

The IEC 60947-4-1 Class 10 trip curve guarantees a hold time of 5–8 seconds at 1.2x the overload setting before the thermal element trips. That timing is calibrated for standard induction motors running direct-on-line, where brief inrush peaks during startup do not trigger nuisance thermal trips. The unit also carries UL 489 and CSA certifications, is RoHS 2 compliant, and is rated for industrial environments with a 6kV impulse voltage withstand per IEC 60664-1 Pollution Degree 3.

Where the 3RV2011-1AA10 Sits in a Typical Motor Control System

The 3RV2011-1AA10 occupies the motor branch protection position in the power circuit — downstream of the main panel distribution and upstream of the motor terminals, typically mounted on DIN rail alongside or ahead of an S0-size contactor.

  • Main switchboard or MCC feeds the motor branch via a fused disconnect or upstream breaker rated above 21A
  • 3RV2011-1AA10 mounts on DIN rail as the branch protection device; handles local isolation and both thermal and short-circuit protection
  • Optional S0-size contactor (size-matched to the S00 frame) mounts downstream for remote switching and DOL start/stop control
  • Motor lead conductors (18–14 AWG or 12 AWG) connect from the MPCB output terminals directly to the motor terminal box
  • In VFD or soft-starter applications, the 3RV2011-1AA10 functions as a backup branch protection device upstream of the drive, with the drive handling internal overload monitoring

Industries and Applications Where This MPCB Gets Specified

The 3RV2011-1AA10 is most commonly found protecting small three-phase motors in the 0.5–2.0kW range at 400V, where the motor FLA falls naturally within the 1.1–1.6A window. Pump systems — water supply, wastewater, and HVAC chilled water circuits — represent the largest installed base, where a failed MPCB in an existing DOL starter needs to be replaced without panel redesign. The screw-terminal S00 form factor fits directly into existing cutouts, and the standardized SIRIUS 3RV2 family means spare parts are available from multiple distributors worldwide without lead-time surprises.

Conveyor systems in food processing and packaging lines use this model for small drive motors where the compact panel footprint matters and where Class 10 timing accommodates the normal loaded-belt starting inrush. Compressor motor branches in manufacturing facilities and discrete production lines also appear regularly, particularly where the motor is sub-2kW and the facility has standardized on SIRIUS components across its motor control centers.

A less obvious but common use case is the protection retrofit for legacy DOL starters that were originally built with only a fused disconnect and no dedicated overload relay. Dropping a 3RV2011-1AA10 into that circuit adds IEC-compliant thermal and short-circuit protection without rewiring the contactor or redesigning the panel. For panel builders and OEM equipment designers, the S00 size and DIN rail mounting make it straightforward to include in new compact motor control assemblies protecting multiple small three-phase motors.

Application Typical Deployment
HVAC pump motor replacement Drop-in replacement for failed MPCB in existing DOL panel; no panel redesign required
Conveyor drive protection Mounted in compact MCC alongside S0 contactor; Class 10 timing handles loaded-belt inrush
Compressor branch circuit Standalone MPCB on DIN rail; provides both overload and short-circuit protection without separate relay
Legacy DOL starter retrofit Added upstream of existing contactor to introduce IEC 60947-4-1 compliant overload protection
New compact motor control panel Multiple 3RV2011-1AA10 units on shared DIN rail, each protecting a separate small three-phase motor
VFD backup branch protection Upstream of drive on motor branch; drive handles internal overload, MPCB handles short-circuit and cable fault

Electrical and Mechanical Ratings Worth Knowing Before You Order

Specification Value Notes
Thermal Release Range (A-Release) 1.1–1.6A adjustable Must match motor nameplate FLA exactly
Instantaneous Release (N-Release) 21A fixed Short-circuit protection; not adjustable on this model
Max Operating Voltage 690V AC three-phase Rated for 400V, 500V, and 690V industrial systems
Operating Current at AC-3 / 400V 1.6A rated; 550W service power Confirm motor kW rating at operating voltage
Breaking Capacity 10kA At all rated voltages up to 690V
Frequency 50/60Hz Standard industrial supply
Operating Temperature -20 to +60°C Standard industrial ambient range
Mechanical Cycles (Main Contacts) 100,000 typical Approximately 10–15 years at 2–5 starts per day
Protection Class IP20 front, finger-safe Prevents accidental contact with live parts
Conductor Capacity (Screw Terminals) 2x 18–14 AWG or 2x 12 AWG No adapters needed within this range

Full technical specifications are available on the product page at LeadTime.ca.

3RV2011-1AA10 vs. Other SIRIUS 3RV2 Models — Which One Do You Need?

Model Thermal Range N-Release Instantaneous Type Best For
3RV2011-1AA10 1.1–1.6A 21A fixed Fixed Motors with FLA 1.1–1.6A; simple DOL starters; no auxiliary signaling needed
3RV2021-1AA10 2.4–3.2A 30A fixed Fixed Next step up; motors with FLA above 1.6A up to 3.2A
3RV2031-1AA10 3.2–4.5A 45A fixed Fixed Larger motors in 3.2–4.5A FLA range
3RV2011-1AA10 + 3RV2903/3RV2904 1.1–1.6A 21A fixed Fixed + auxiliary module Same motor range but remote trip or NO/NC signaling contacts required
3RV2020/3RV2030 series Varies by suffix Adjustable Adjustable Retrofits or applications requiring flexible instantaneous release tuning

If your motor FLA sits at or below 1.6A and you need no auxiliary contacts, the 3RV2011-1AA10 is the correct and most cost-efficient selection — check current availability at LeadTime.ca.

Expert Verdict: Honest Assessment for Engineers and Procurement Teams

The 3RV2011-1AA10 earns its place in motor control panels because it reduces three separate protection components — thermal relay, magnetic breaker, and fused disconnect — to a single S00-size device with a 10kA breaking capacity at 690V. For plants that have standardized on SIRIUS components, the 100,000-cycle mechanical endurance and standardized spare parts network mean replacement decisions are fast and inventory is predictable. The Class 10 trip curve timing is the correct default for standard induction motors on direct-on-line starters, and the fixed 21A N-release simplifies upstream coordination studies compared to adjustable-release variants. The 550W service power rating at AC-3 / 400V is accurately sized for the 1.1–1.6A thermal window, so specifiers rarely encounter surprises at commissioning.

Where this model falls short is equally clear. The base 3RV2011-1AA10 carries no auxiliary contacts, no remote trip coil, and no signaling output — if your control system needs a motor run indicator, a remote fault signal, or interlocking with a safety relay, you will need to add a 3RV2903 or 3RV2904 auxiliary module, or upgrade to a different base model entirely. The fixed 21A instantaneous release also means you cannot adjust coordination margins for unusual cable lengths or non-standard upstream protection devices; if your protection coordination study requires adjustable N-release, the 3RV2020 or 3RV2030 series is the correct path. And if your process requires Class 20 timing — typical for high-inertia loads or extended soft-starter ramps — Class 10 may produce nuisance thermal trips during startup that no dial adjustment will correct.

From a procurement standpoint, the 3RV2011-1AA10 is generally a short lead-time item through established distributors, with in-stock availability typically at 3–5 business days. If out of stock, standard lead time from Siemens warehouse is 2–4 weeks. Volume orders above 10 units typically qualify for distributor pricing breaks. If you are managing an unplanned motor replacement against a production deadline, it is worth confirming stock before finalizing your panel design. If this matches your system requirements, view current stock and pricing at LeadTime.ca.

For volume pricing or to confirm lead time before committing to a build, contact the LeadTime.ca team directly — we ship worldwide.

Wiring and Installation — What to Verify Before You Energize

  • Confirm upstream power is isolated and zero voltage is verified on all three phases before mounting or terminating conductors
  • The three input terminals (L1, L2, L3) connect to the upstream motor branch supply; output terminals connect to motor lead conductors — confirm conductor gauge is within 2x 18–14 AWG or 2x 12 AWG before stripping insulation
  • Set the thermal overload dial to match the motor nameplate FLA (within the 1.1–1.6A range) before energizing — do not set above FLA or the unit provides inadequate overload protection
  • No control power supply is required; the trip mechanism is fully electromechanical and operates on main circuit current alone
  • After installation, perform a manual trip test using the red button to confirm mechanical latching and smooth reset before energizing the motor; verify the handle locks in the off position if LOTO compliance is required for this circuit

Compatible Add-On Modules for the 3RV2011-1AA10

The base 3RV2011-1AA10 accepts auxiliary switching modules from the SIRIUS 3RV2 accessory range, allowing NO/NC contact outputs or remote trip coils to be added without replacing the main protection device:

  • 3RV2903 — Auxiliary switch module; adds NO and NC signaling contacts for remote fault indication or interlocking with a safety relay or PLC input
  • 3RV2904 — Auxiliary switch module with additional contact configuration options for motor run status signaling and remote trip functionality

Wrong-Part Prevention: Eight Checks Before You Submit the PO

Before finalizing your order for the 3RV2011-1AA10, run through every item on this checklist — skipping any one of these is the most common cause of returns, panel rework, and commissioning delays:

  1. Verify motor nameplate FLA falls within 1.1–1.6A range; if higher, do not use this model (select next size up, 3RV2021-1AA10)
  2. Confirm operating voltage matches 400V, 500V, or 690V AC; not suitable for DC circuits or single-phase motors above 0.1hp at 230V
  3. Check that conductor gauge accommodates AWG 18–14 or AWG 12; if larger, use ferrules or upgrade terminal blocks
  4. Confirm no auxiliary contacts or remote trip signaling required; this is a basic protection model without accessory contacts
  5. Verify contactor size compatibility: standard model fits S0 contactor frame (typical for ~1.5kW motors)
  6. Confirm 100,000-cycle endurance is acceptable; if more than 50 starts per day expected, verify thermal cooling (no active cooling in S00 size)
  7. Check installation altitude: rated for up to 2,000m; higher altitudes require derating
  8. Confirm Class 10 trip curve timing (5–8 second hold at 1.2x setting) meets process requirements; Class 10 is standard motor protection

If any item on this checklist does not match your application, contact LeadTime.ca before ordering — the team can help confirm the correct model and check live availability worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the 3RV2011-1AA10 be used with a soft-starter or VFD?

Yes, with an important distinction in role. When a VFD or soft-starter is present, the 3RV2011-1AA10 functions as backup branch protection for the cable and motor winding against short-circuit faults — the drive handles internal overload monitoring. The Class 10 trip curve holds up to 8 seconds at 1.2x the thermal setting, which is generally sufficient to avoid nuisance trips during a standard 10–20 second soft-start ramp. If your soft-starter has a very shallow ramp profile and draws sustained elevated current near the 1.6A threshold, verify Class 10 timing against your ramp parameters before commissioning.

What happens if motor FLA is 1.7A — can I just set the dial to 1.6A and use this model?

No. Setting the thermal overload below the motor's actual FLA means the protection device will operate at a continuous setpoint below nameplate current, resulting in thermal trips during normal motor run. You must select the next size up — the 3RV2021-1AA10, which covers 2.4–3.2A — or find a model whose thermal range encompasses 1.7A. Oversizing the thermal setting to avoid trips provides inadequate motor protection and violates IEC 60947-4-1 compliance intent.

How does the 21A fixed instantaneous release affect upstream coordination?

The 21A N-release means the 3RV2011-1AA10 will trip instantaneously on any fault current at or above 21A. For proper cascading coordination, your upstream protection device (fuse or breaker) must be rated above 21A so that the MPCB clears branch faults before the upstream device operates. A common compliant pairing is a 32A upstream fuse with the 3RV2011-1AA10 at 21A instantaneous. Confirm coordination on your facility single-line diagram and protective device study if available.

Does this model require a separate auxiliary power supply for the trip mechanism?

No. The 3RV2011-1AA10 uses a fully electromechanical trip mechanism that operates on main circuit current alone. No control voltage, coil supply, or external power source is required. This makes it inherently safe in loss-of-control scenarios — the thermal and instantaneous protection functions regardless of control circuit status.

What is the difference between Class 10 and Class 20 trip curves, and when does it matter?

Class 10 guarantees the thermal element holds for 5–8 seconds at 1.2x the overload setting before tripping. Class 20 extends that hold to 13–20 seconds. Class 10 is the correct default for standard induction motors on DOL starters. Class 20 is typically needed for high-inertia loads, centrifuge motors, or applications where the motor takes longer than 10 seconds to reach rated speed. If your application involves extended acceleration times or high-inertia loads, verify that Class 10 timing is sufficient before specifying the 3RV2011-1AA10.

Is the 3RV2011-1AA10 CSA and UL certified for use in North American facilities?

Yes. The 3RV2011-1AA10 carries UL 489 and CSA certifications per Siemens Declaration of Conformity documentation, in addition to IEC 60947-4-1 compliance. It is RoHS 2 compliant and rated for industrial environments with a 6kV impulse voltage withstand per IEC 60664-1 Pollution Degree 3. Confirm the specific certification markings on the product label or data sheet when documenting panel compliance for authority-having-jurisdiction (AHJ) review.

Why Source the 3RV2011-1AA10 Through LeadTime.ca

  • LeadTime.ca ships worldwide — no restriction to a single region or country
  • Direct access to current stock status and confirmed lead times before you commit to a project schedule
  • Volume pricing available for orders above 10 units; contact the team to request a tiered quote
  • Hard-to-source SIRIUS accessories including 3RV2903 and 3RV2904 auxiliary modules available alongside the base unit
  • Technical team available to cross-reference motor FLA against thermal range and confirm correct variant before order submission

At-a-Glance Summary

  • Model: Siemens 3RV2011-1AA10 — SIRIUS 3RV2 Motor Protection Switch, size S00
  • Thermal overload range: 1.1–1.6A adjustable A-release; must match motor nameplate FLA
  • Instantaneous short-circuit release: 21A fixed N-release; not adjustable on this model
  • Breaking capacity: 10kA at all rated voltages up to 690V AC three-phase
  • Trip class: IEC 60947-4-1 Class 10 — 5–8 second hold at 1.2x overload setting
  • Service power at AC-3 / 400V: 1.6A rated, 550W
  • Terminal type: Screw connection; 2x 18–14 AWG or 2x 12 AWG
  • Operating temperature: -20 to +60°C; storage -50 to +80°C
  • Mechanical endurance: 100,000 operating cycles — approximately 10–15 years at 2–5 starts per day
  • Certifications: IEC 60947-4-1, UL 489, CSA, RoHS 2; 6kV impulse withstand per IEC 60664-1 Pollution Degree 3
  • Max installation altitude without derating: 2,000m
  • Compatible contactor frame: S0 size for combined motor starter configurations
  • Auxiliary contacts: Not integrated — add 3RV2903 or 3RV2904 module separately if required
  • Typical in-stock lead time: 3–5 business days; 2–4 weeks if special order