Siemens 3RV2011-1CA10 — S00 Motor Protector Selection Guide

By Abdullah Zahid
11 min read
Siemens 3RV2011-1CA10 SIRIUS S00 motor protection circuit breaker 1.8-2.5A for small industrial motor panel

Siemens 3RV2011-1CA10 — SIRIUS Circuit Breaker Size S00 for Motor Protection, Class 10, Adjustable Thermal Release 1.8-2.5A, Fixed Short-Circuit Release 33A, Screw Connection, Standard Switching Capacity

If you are specifying or replacing a motor protection device for a small squirrel-cage motor in the 1.8 to 2.5A full-load amperage range, the Siemens 3RV2011-1CA10 is one of the most directly targetted solutions in the SIRIUS family. This Class 10 thermal-magnetic motor circuit breaker combines adjustable overload protection and fixed magnetic short-circuit release in a single 45mm-wide S00 frame unit, rated to 690V AC and offering a breaking capacity of 100,000A at 400–500V. The decision usually comes down to one question: does your motor nameplate FLA fall squarely within the 1.8–2.5A thermal adjustment range?

If you have already confirmed this is the correct part, check current pricing and availability for the Siemens 3RV2011-1CA10 at LeadTime.ca — ships worldwide.

Who Should Buy the Siemens 3RV2011-1CA10 — and Who Shouldn't

This model is the right choice when all of the following conditions are true for your application:

  • Motor nameplate FLA falls within the 1.8–2.5A adjustable thermal release range — not estimated, confirmed from the nameplate.
  • System supply voltage does not exceed 690V AC (common installations at 230V, 400V, or 500V three-phase are all within rating).
  • Installation space requires the S00 frame footprint — 45mm wide on a standard 35mm DIN rail per DIN EN 60715.
  • The motor is a standard squirrel-cage AC type starting across the line or through a contactor; not a DC motor, slip-ring motor, or VFD-fed motor without special coordination review.
  • No auxiliary contact output to a PLC or alarm system is required — the base 3RV2011-1CA10 has no built-in auxiliary contacts.
  • The site short-circuit current at the motor terminals does not exceed 100,000A at 400–500V or 10,000A at 690V.

If your motor FLA falls below 1.8A or above 2.5A, or if you require integrated auxiliary contacts for PLC trip confirmation, this is not the correct model. Consider a different SIRIUS frame size or the 3RV2015 or 3RV2025 variants with compatible contact blocks.

On this page:

What the Siemens 3RV2011-1CA10 Actually Does in a Motor Circuit

The Siemens 3RV2011-1CA10 is a thermal-magnetic motor protection circuit breaker — not a general-purpose branch circuit breaker. That distinction matters in practice. A general-purpose breaker is sized for conductor protection and trips on sustained overcurrent. This device is sized to the motor's full-load current and trips on two entirely different conditions: sustained overload through heated bimetal strips (thermal release, adjustable at 1.8–2.5A) and instantaneous fault current through a magnetic solenoid coil (fixed short-circuit release at 33A).

The thermal element implements a Class 10 inverse-time trip curve: the higher the overcurrent, the faster the trip, with the device operating within 10 seconds when current reaches 7.2 to 10 times the thermal setpoint. This characteristic is matched to standard squirrel-cage motor heating profiles and provides protection against locked rotor conditions, sustained overloads, and cumulative thermal damage. The magnetic element adds instantaneous protection for wiring and motor windings against short circuits and phase faults, with a breaking capacity of 100,000A at 400–500V and 10,000A at 690V.

The screw-terminal design accepts solid or finely stranded conductors without intermediate connectors, which simplifies direct motor lead connection in compact low-voltage distribution cabinets. At 45mm wide on a 35mm DIN rail, the S00 frame is the smallest in the SIRIUS motor protector lineup, making it the preferred choice for space-constrained retrofit and OEM panel applications.

Where the 3RV2011-1CA10 Sits in a Typical Motor Control System

The 3RV2011-1CA10 sits at the motor power inlet, upstream of any contactor or soft starter, as the first and primary protective device in the branch circuit.

  • Upstream: Main distribution panel or motor control center (MCC) providing 230V, 400V, or 500V three-phase supply.
  • The 3RV2011-1CA10 connects directly to the incoming three-phase supply conductors via its top screw terminals.
  • Downstream: Magnetic contactor or direct-on-line starter — the motor circuit breaker handles protection; the contactor handles switching.
  • Further downstream: Motor terminals — small squirrel-cage motor rated 0.5–1.5 HP at typical system voltages.
  • Optional parallel signal path: If a snap-on auxiliary contact block is added, a trip signal can be routed to a PLC digital input or alarm relay for remote monitoring.

Which Industries and Machine Types Use This Device

In food and beverage processing, the 3RV2011-1CA10 is commonly used to protect small conveyor drive motors and packing line servo pre-drives where motor FLA typically runs 1.9–2.1A on 400V three-phase supply. The S00 frame fits the compact motor starter assemblies that are standard in food-grade panel builds.

HVAC equipment OEMs use this device for fractional-HP motors in commercial rooftop units — 230V three-phase, 0.5 HP motors are a direct match for the 1.8–2.5A thermal range. The IP20 finger-safe front face meets panel safety requirements for commercial building equipment without additional guarding.

Machine tool builders specify the 3RV2011-1CA10 for coolant pump and spindle pre-drive protection on 400V three-phase circuits where motor rating is 750W. The device's service power rating of 750W at 400V under AC-3 duty is a direct specification match for this application.

In retrofit projects, maintenance teams replacing failed 3RV20xx motor protectors in existing cabinets choose this model specifically to avoid frame-size changes. The S00 footprint preserves cabinet layout and DIN rail spacing without modification.

Application Typical Deployment
Packing line motor protection S00 frame in compact starter panel; motor FLA 1.9–2.1A at 400V three-phase
Commercial HVAC rooftop unit 0.5 HP motor at 230V three-phase; thermal set to 2.0–2.2A
Machine tool coolant pump 750W motor at 400V; direct-on-line starting; no soft starter coordination needed
Conveyor drive (fractional HP) OEM panel build; multiple S00 units on shared DIN rail in 45mm pitch layout
Retrofit cabinet replacement Drop-in replacement for failed 3RV20xx without DIN rail or wiring modification
Industrial pump station (small auxiliary) Single phase at 230V; 0.167 HP (1/6 HP) motor; screw terminal to existing lug connections

Key Electrical and Mechanical Specifications for the Siemens 3RV2011-1CA10

Parameter Value
Thermal Release Range (Adjustable) 1.8–2.5A
Short-Circuit Release (Fixed) 33A
Maximum Operating Voltage 690V AC
Breaking Capacity at 400–500V 100,000A
Breaking Capacity at 690V 10,000A
Frame Size S00
Dimensions (W x H x D) 45mm x 97mm x 91mm
Mounting 35mm DIN rail per DIN EN 60715
Protection Class IP20 (finger-safe front)
Operating Temperature Range -20°C to +60°C

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

3RV2011-1CA10 vs. Larger SIRIUS Frames: Which One Do You Actually Need?

Device Model Thermal Range Frame Size Max Voltage Breaking Capacity (400–500V) Best Application
3RV2011-1CA10 1.8–2.5A S00 690V 100,000A Fractional-HP under 1.5 HP; space-constrained retrofit
3RV2015-1HA10 5.5–8A S7 690V 100,000A 3–7.5 HP motors; standard industrial motor control
3RV2025-4DA10 16–25A S12 690V 100,000A Large industrial motors 15–25 HP
Siemens 3RV1011 (older) 1.6–2.4A Legacy 500V max 50,000A Legacy replacement candidate; 3RV2011 is direct upgrade

The 3RV2011-1CA10 is the correct choice when your motor FLA is confirmed within 1.8–2.5A and your installation requires the S00 frame footprint. If your application has already moved beyond 2.5A or requires a wider adjustable range, the 3RV2015-1HA10 (S7, 5.5–8A) is the natural next step within the same SIRIUS family. Check current availability of the 3RV2011-1CA10 at LeadTime.ca before committing to an alternative.

Expert Verdict: Honest Assessment for Controls Engineers

The Siemens 3RV2011-1CA10 does exactly what a Class 10 thermal-magnetic motor protector should do — and it does it in one of the smallest DIN rail footprints available in the SIRIUS lineup. The 1.8–2.5A thermal range is precisely suited to fractional-HP squirrel-cage motors in the 750W to 1.5 HP range at standard industrial voltages. The 100,000A breaking capacity at 400–500V is more than sufficient for virtually any small motor branch circuit in commercial or light industrial facilities. The screw terminal design is a practical advantage in retrofit and OEM panel work where push-in connectors add cost or compatibility risk.

Where this device has real limits: it has no built-in auxiliary contacts. If your control architecture requires a PLC trip confirmation signal or remote alarm relay, you must add an external contact block as a separate purchase and ensure your cabinet layout accommodates the additional depth or width. Additionally, this device is not suitable for DC motors, slip-ring motors, or VFD-fed motors without a specific coordination study. The fixed short-circuit release at 33A also means that a motor with a stall current below that threshold will not receive instantaneous magnetic protection — only time-delayed thermal protection. For standard across-the-line squirrel-cage applications within the 1.8–2.5A range, none of these limitations are a practical concern.

From a procurement standpoint, the 3RV2011-1CA10 is a mature, widely stocked SKU with generally short lead times through major distributors. Volume pricing becomes meaningful at 10 units or more. If you are building a bill of materials for an OEM panel run or planning a maintenance stock program, bundling multiple units in a single order is worth discussing before placement. If this matches your system requirements, view current stock and pricing for the 3RV2011-1CA10 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 Overview for the 3RV2011-1CA10

  • Mount on a standard 35mm DIN rail per DIN EN 60715 — the S00 frame snaps on without tools once the rail is secured; the device can be installed in any orientation (horizontal or vertical).
  • Connect the three-phase upstream supply to the top screw terminals and the motor load conductors to the bottom terminals; no neutral connection is required for three-phase AC motor supply.
  • Screw terminals accept solid conductors up to 4mm² and finely stranded conductors up to 2.5mm²; use ferrules or cable lugs on stranded wire ends — bare strands in screw terminals are not acceptable.
  • Set the rotary thermal adjustment dial to the position matching or closest below the motor nameplate FLA before energizing; the dial is accessible from the front face without removing the device from the rail.
  • Before applying load, perform a pre-energization continuity check across main terminals with the device in the OFF position and confirm dial position visually; then run the motor unloaded for 15–30 seconds before applying rated load.

What Engineers Get Wrong When Ordering the Siemens 3RV2011-1CA10

The following checklist covers the six most common ordering errors for this device. Verify each point against your motor nameplate and site documentation before placing your order:

  1. Confirm motor nameplate FLA falls within 1.8-2.5A; if outside this range, select different thermal class or frame size.
  2. Verify system voltage does not exceed 690V AC; if higher, upgrade to rated device.
  3. Check whether auxiliary contacts are required for remote monitoring; if yes, add separate contact block or choose variant with integrated contacts.
  4. Confirm no undervoltage release or trip indicator is needed; this model has neither built-in.
  5. Validate motor type: standard squirrel-cage only; not suitable for DC motors, slip-ring motors, or variable-frequency-drive motors without special coordination.
  6. Ensure installation allows access to rotary adjustment dial for setting thermal current; locate dial position in cabinet layout.

If any item on this checklist is unresolved, do not order until confirmed. Contact the LeadTime.ca team for selection support, or return to the product page to review specifications against your motor data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Siemens 3RV2011-1CA10 be used with a variable frequency drive?

Not without a specific coordination study. The fixed short-circuit release is set at 33A, and the thermal trip curve is calibrated for standard across-the-line starting inrush profiles. VFDs limit inrush differently and may create coordination issues. For VFD applications, consult Siemens technical documentation for the specific coordination requirements or contact a Siemens application engineer.

What happens if my motor FLA is 2.6A — can I still use this device set to 2.5A?

No. If the motor nameplate FLA is 2.6A, the 3RV2011-1CA10 thermal range maximum of 2.5A means the device is set below the motor's required full-load current. This will cause nuisance tripping under normal motor load. Select a larger SIRIUS frame with a thermal range that properly covers 2.6A, such as the 3RV2015-1HA10 with a 5.5–8A range.

Does the 3RV2011-1CA10 include auxiliary contacts for PLC feedback?

No. The base 3RV2011-1CA10 has no built-in auxiliary contacts. If your control architecture requires a trip confirmation signal to a PLC digital input or alarm relay, you must add a separate snap-on auxiliary contact block. Ensure your cabinet layout accommodates the additional footprint of the contact block before specifying it on the bill of materials.

What is the breaking capacity of the 3RV2011-1CA10 at 690V, and is it sufficient for my installation?

At 690V, the breaking capacity is 10,000A. For most small commercial and light industrial motor branch circuits at 690V, this is adequate. However, if your facility has a high system short-circuit capacity at the motor terminals, you must verify through a short-circuit study that the prospective fault current does not exceed 10,000A at 690V. At 400–500V, the breaking capacity is 100,000A, which is sufficient for virtually all standard installations.

How do I confirm the correct thermal dial setting after installation?

Obtain the motor nameplate FLA and set the rotary dial to the position at or closest below that value within the 1.8–2.5A range. After installation, measure actual motor current under rated load using a clamp meter and compare against the nameplate FLA. If the measured current differs significantly, adjust the dial accordingly — but only after powering down the motor and allowing the thermal elements to cool for at least 5 minutes before rotating the dial.

Is the Siemens 3RV2011-1CA10 a direct drop-in replacement for the older 3RV1011?

It is functionally a direct upgrade in terms of protection characteristics, but there are differences. The 3RV2011 series (second generation) has a higher breaking capacity and a wider voltage rating than the 3RV1011 (first generation, rated to 500V max with 50,000A breaking capacity). Verify that the S00 frame DIN rail footprint and terminal positions are compatible with your existing cabinet before ordering as a drop-in replacement.

Why Order the Siemens 3RV2011-1CA10 From LeadTime.ca

  • LeadTime.ca ships worldwide — no geographic restriction on order placement or delivery.
  • Sourcing support for hard-to-find or time-critical industrial automation parts, including mature SIRIUS SKUs that regional distributors may have on extended lead time.
  • Volume pricing available on multi-unit orders — contact the team before placing large BOM orders.
  • Fast response on stock and lead time confirmation — relevant when a production line is down and a replacement is urgent.

At-a-Glance Summary

  • Device: Siemens 3RV2011-1CA10 — SIRIUS Class 10 thermal-magnetic motor protection circuit breaker, frame size S00.
  • Thermal release range: 1.8–2.5A, adjustable via front-face rotary dial.
  • Fixed short-circuit release: 33A — instantaneous magnetic trip.
  • Maximum operating voltage: 690V AC; breaking capacity 100,000A at 400–500V and 10,000A at 690V.
  • Dimensions: 45mm wide x 97mm high x 91mm deep; mounts on 35mm DIN rail per DIN EN 60715.
  • Service power: 750W at 400V, 1100W at 500V, 1500W at 690V under AC-3 duty.
  • Operating temperature: -20°C to +60°C; storage/transport: -50°C to +80°C.
  • No built-in auxiliary contacts — external contact block required for PLC trip signal output.
  • Suitable for standard squirrel-cage AC motors only; not rated for DC, slip-ring, or VFD-fed motors without coordination study.
  • UL/CSA listed, CE marked, RoHS compliant.
  • Mechanical cycle life: 500 operating cycles before maintenance review recommended.
  • Expected service life: 10–15 years under normal industrial duty conditions.