Siemens 3rv2011-1fa10

By Abdullah Zahid
12 min read
Siemens 3RV2011-1FA10 Class 10 motor protection circuit breaker S00 frame DIN rail mount industrial panel

Siemens 3RV2011-1FA10 Motor Protector: Compact Class 10 Circuit Breaker Specs and Selection Guide

When a controls engineer or panel builder searches for the Siemens 3RV2011-1FA10 by catalog number, the decision is nearly made — what remains is confirming the 3.5–5A thermal adjustment range matches the motor nameplate, verifying the 10 kA short-circuit breaking capacity covers the available fault current, and checking that the S00 frame fits the allocated panel space. This article answers those final questions directly so you can move to procurement without second-guessing the selection.

The 3RV2011-1FA10 is a three-pole motor protection circuit breaker in the SIRIUS S00 compact frame, combining Class 10 thermal overload release and 65A instantaneous magnetic short-circuit trip in a single 45mm-wide DIN rail device. It replaces a separate fused disconnect and overload relay, supports screw terminals for conductors from 1.5 to 4mm², and is rated to 690V three-phase AC.

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

Who Should Buy the 3RV2011-1FA10 — and Who Shouldn't

The 3RV2011-1FA10 is the right motor protector when all of the following are true for your application:

  • Motor full-load amperage at operating voltage falls within the 3.5–5A adjustable range
  • Supply is three-phase AC at 400V, 500V, or 690V, 50–60 Hz — not single-phase and not DC
  • Available short-circuit capacity at the installation point does not exceed 10 kA
  • Panel layout can accommodate the S00 frame: 45mm width, 97mm height, 91mm depth on a 35mm DIN rail
  • Auxiliary contacts for PLC interlocking or trip alarm signaling are not required by the control schematic
  • Motor is not driven by a VFD output without additional derating or filtering review

If motor FLA exceeds 5A, this is the wrong model. The 3RV2011-2AA10 covers 6–10A and the 3RV2011-4AA10 covers 11–16A. If trip signaling or interlock wiring is required, consider a 3RV2 variant with integral auxiliary switches before ordering the 3RV2011-1FA10.

On this page:

What the Siemens 3RV2011-1FA10 Actually Does in a Motor Circuit

The 3RV2011-1FA10 is a Circuit-breaker SZ S00 for motor protection that consolidates three functions a legacy installation would require separate devices to perform: manual motor isolation, thermal overload protection, and instantaneous short-circuit interruption. The thermal A-release is adjustable from 3.5 to 5A using a front-panel dial, and it operates on Class 10 timing — meaning it tolerates the brief inrush current typical of direct-on-line motor starts without nuisance tripping while still responding within 10 seconds to sustained overloads at 1.2 times the set point. The magnetic N-release fires instantaneously at 65A to protect against bolted short circuits.

In practical terms, a panel builder specifying protection for a three-phase pump motor drawing 4.2A at 400V mounts one device on the DIN rail, sets the dial to 4.2A, connects incoming line conductors to the top terminals and outgoing motor leads to the bottom, and has a complete motor branch circuit — no separate overload relay, no separate disconnect. This approach reduces panel real estate by eliminating devices while maintaining IEC-grade motor protection to IP20. The S00 frame's 45mm width means six of these units can occupy the horizontal space that a legacy relay-plus-contactor-plus-fused-disconnect assembly would consume for two motors.

Typical System Architecture: Where This Device Sits in the Signal Chain

The 3RV2011-1FA10 occupies the motor branch circuit protection position between the distribution panel and the motor terminals, downstream of the main supply breaker and upstream of any contactor or directly at the motor terminals in manual-start applications.

  • Upstream: Main supply circuit breaker or distribution busbar providing three-phase 400V–690V AC with documented available fault current
  • Installation point: 3RV2011-1FA10 mounted on 35mm DIN rail inside the motor control enclosure — provides isolation, overload, and short-circuit protection in one device
  • Optional: IEC contactor mounted downstream for remote start-stop control; the motor protector provides the protection function while the contactor handles switching duty cycles
  • Load side: Three-phase motor (pump, fan, conveyor, agitator) with nameplate FLA within the 3.5–5A dial range
  • If trip signaling is required: A separate signal relay must be added to the circuit; the 3RV2011-1FA10 itself provides zero auxiliary contact outputs

Industries and Applications That Specify the 3RV2011-1FA10

In food and beverage processing, the 3RV2011-1FA10 appears frequently on pump motor circuits for CIP systems, agitator drives on mixing tanks, and small conveyor drives — all applications where hygienic enclosures limit available cabinet space and where the S00 frame's compact footprint reduces panel depth requirements.

Water and wastewater treatment facilities rely on this model for centrifugal pump protection and aeration blower motor circuits. The Class 10 thermal release suits the near-constant duty cycle of these loads, and the 690V insulation rating accommodates medium-voltage distribution arrangements common in large treatment plants.

HVAC applications include fan motor circuits, compressor branch protection in rooftop equipment, and air handling unit drives where 1–3 hp motors operating at 460V or 575V fall comfortably within the 3.5–5A dial range at standard horsepower ratings.

Manufacturing environments use the 3RV2011-1FA10 for machine tool spindle motor protection, material handling conveyor circuits, and distributed motor control in confined machine frames where a full-size motor starter assembly cannot fit.

Application Typical Deployment
Pump motor protection (water treatment) Single unit per motor on DIN rail in local MCC, 400V three-phase supply, manual reset on fault
Food and beverage conveyor drive Multiple units on shared DIN rail, panel space constrained, screw terminal connection to VFD-free motor leads
HVAC fan motor circuit Installed in rooftop equipment panel, 460V or 575V supply, motor FLA typically 3.8–4.8A at nameplate rating
New machinery build with multiple small motors Four to six units per panel serving pumps, fans, and agitators; replaces legacy relay-plus-fuse assemblies
Retrofit of legacy fused disconnect and overload relay Direct replacement in existing enclosure; 45mm DIN rail footprint fits recovered space from removed legacy devices
Generator-fed standby motor circuits Class 10 overload protection on generator-supplied motor branch; verify available short-circuit current from generator does not exceed 10 kA

Purchase-Decision Specifications at a Glance

Specification Value
Thermal Overload (A-Release) Range 3.5–5A (Class 10)
Instantaneous Short-Circuit (N-Release) 65A
Short-Circuit Breaking Capacity 10 kA
Rated Insulation Voltage 690V
Operating Voltage Range 400V–690V, three-phase AC, 50–60 Hz
Pole Configuration 3-pole
Frame Size / Mounting S00 / 35mm DIN rail
Dimensions (W x H x D) 45mm x 97mm x 91mm
Conductor Cross-Section (Main Circuit) 1.5–4mm²
Operating Temperature -20°C to +60°C

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

3RV2011-1FA10 vs. Other 3RV2 Variants: Which Amperage Range Do You Need?

Model Thermal Release Range Typical Motor Size Frame Auxiliary Contacts
3RV2011-0AA10 1.6–2.5A Under 1 hp S00 None (base model)
3RV2011-1AA10 2.4–3.2A 0.75–1.5 hp S00 None (base model)
3RV2011-1FA10 (this model) 3.5–5A 1–3 hp S00 None (base model)
3RV2011-2AA10 6–10A 3–5 hp S00 None (base model)
3RV2011-4AA10 11–16A 5–7.5 hp S00 None (base model)
3RV4 Series Electronic (adjustable) Varies S00–S3 Integral monitoring and diagnostics

If your motor nameplate FLA sits squarely between 3.5A and 5A at operating voltage, the 3RV2011-1FA10 is the correct selection — check current availability at LeadTime.ca.

Expert Verdict: Strengths, Limits, and Procurement Reality

The 3RV2011-1FA10 does exactly what a panel builder needs for small three-phase motor protection: it delivers Class 10 thermal release correctly calibrated for general-purpose motor inrush, a 65A instantaneous magnetic trip for bolted fault protection, and a physically compact S00 frame that fits where full motor starters cannot. The adjustable 3.5–5A dial eliminates the need for a separate overload relay, and Class 10 adoption rates exceed 70% in food processing, water treatment, and commercial HVAC sectors — which tells you this is the industry standard for this load type, not a niche selection. The 100,000-cycle mechanical and electrical endurance rating supports demanding duty cycles without requiring scheduled calibration or overhaul for up to 10 years of standard industrial service.

The genuine limits are worth stating plainly. This model has zero auxiliary contacts — no trip signal output, no normally-open interlock contact for PLC logic, and no alarm relay. If your control schematic requires any of those outputs, you need a different model or a supplemental relay before committing to this catalog number. The 10 kA short-circuit breaking capacity is adequate for most industrial motor branch circuits, but if your available fault current exceeds 10 kA — common in facilities fed directly from large utility transformers with short cable runs — you must either add a current-limiting fuse upstream or select a higher-capacity device from the 3RV2 S2 frame range. The device is also not rated for VFD output wiring without a confirmed derating review; VFD-fed motors should be assessed against Siemens application notes before specifying this model. Compact motor protectors in the S00–S2 frame range reduce panel footprint by approximately 60% compared to legacy separate relay and contactor solutions — that savings is real, but only when the selection matches motor FLA exactly.

From a procurement standpoint, the 3RV2011-1FA10 is a standard catalog item in the SIRIUS motor protection family and generally available through authorized distributors with moderate lead times. Volume pricing is available for panel builders and system integrators ordering in quantities for multi-motor projects. If you are specifying this device across multiple panels or machines simultaneously, bundling with associated contactors or DIN rail accessories can reduce per-unit cost. 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 Know Before You Connect

  • Mount on a 35mm standard DIN rail; the S00 frame supports both snap-on and screw-mount methods — verify adjacent devices leave at least 45mm horizontal clearance before securing the unit in position
  • All six main circuit connections use screw terminals accepting 1.5–4mm² conductors; strip 5–8mm of insulation, insert each phase conductor firmly, and tighten the screw — incoming phases (L1, L2, L3) connect at the top terminals, outgoing motor leads at the bottom
  • Set the front-panel thermal dial to the motor nameplate FLA before energizing — for a 4.2A motor, align the dial pointer between the 4.0 and 4.5A graduations; do not set above the motor FLA as a trip-avoidance workaround
  • This model provides zero auxiliary contact outputs; if the control logic or alarm system requires a trip signal, a separate signal relay must be installed — confirm this before panel wiring begins
  • Verify supply three-phase voltage balance (within 3% of nominal) and available short-circuit current (must not exceed 10 kA) before commissioning — if the installation is on a generator-fed circuit, obtain generator fault study data to confirm the 10 kA rating is not exceeded

Wrong-Part Prevention: Seven Checks Before You Order

Before placing the order for the 3RV2011-1FA10, work through each item on this checklist — these are the exact failure modes that generate field returns and costly rework:

  1. Verify motor full-load amperage is within 3.5–5A range at the operating voltage
  2. Confirm supply voltage is 400V, 500V, or 690V three-phase AC (not single-phase or DC)
  3. Check that operating frequency is 50–60 Hz (standard industrial); do not use on VFD output without derating
  4. Ensure available short-circuit capacity in the supply is at least 10 kA for this breaker's 10 kA rating
  5. Confirm DIN rail clearance: 45mm width, 97mm height, 91mm depth (check adjacent mounted devices)
  6. Verify availability of screw-terminal compatible conductors (1.5–4mm² for main circuit)
  7. Do not assume auxiliary switching capability; this model has zero auxiliary contacts for interlock or signaling

If any item on this list cannot be confirmed for your application, contact the LeadTime.ca team before ordering — we can help identify the correct 3RV2 variant for your specific motor and panel requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the 3RV2011-1FA10 be used on the output of a variable frequency drive?

This device is not rated for installation on VFD output circuits without a derating and filtering review. VFD outputs produce steep dV/dt transients and harmonic content that affect thermal element calibration and insulation stress. If your motor is inverter-fed, consult the relevant Siemens application notes for the SIRIUS S00 frame before specifying this model — additional filtering or an alternative device may be required.

Does this model include auxiliary contacts for trip signaling to a PLC or alarm system?

No. The 3RV2011-1FA10 has zero auxiliary contacts. There is no trip output, no normally-open or normally-closed signal contact, and no connection point for interlock wiring. If your schematic requires a trip alarm or interlock signal, you must install a separate signal relay downstream or specify a 3RV2 variant with integral auxiliary switch capability before finalizing the panel design.

What is the difference between Class 10 and Class 20 thermal release, and which is correct for my motor?

Class 10 means the thermal overload element will trip within 10 seconds when carrying 7.2 times the set current from a cold state — this suits general-purpose and design-duty motors with standard inrush profiles. Class 20 allows up to 20 seconds at the same multiple, which is used for high-inertia loads or motors with extended acceleration times. For standard pumps, fans, conveyors, and agitators in the 1–3 hp range, Class 10 is the correct and most widely specified choice, with adoption exceeding 70% in these application sectors.

What happens if the available short-circuit current at my panel exceeds 10 kA?

If the prospective fault current at the installation point exceeds the 3RV2011-1FA10's 10 kA short-circuit breaking capacity, the device may fail to interrupt a bolted three-phase fault safely — contact welding, terminal damage, or fire hazard can result. The correct response is to install an upstream current-limiting fuse sized to reduce let-through current to within the 10 kA rating, or to select a higher-capacity device from the 3RV2 S2 frame series rated at 20 kA.

How long does installation typically take, and are any special tools required?

An experienced panel technician can mount the device, connect all six main circuit terminals, and set the thermal dial in approximately 15–30 minutes — compared to 45–60 minutes for an equivalent separate relay and contactor assembly. The only tools required are a standard flat-blade screwdriver for the DIN rail mount and terminal screws, and a wire stripper calibrated for 1.5–4mm² conductors. No special crimping or ferrule tools are mandatory, though ferrules are recommended for stranded conductors to prevent individual strand loosening under vibration.

After how many years or switching cycles should the 3RV2011-1FA10 be replaced?

The device is rated for 100,000 mechanical and 100,000 electrical switching cycles, with a T1 proof test interval of 10 years per IEC 61508. In standard industrial duty, this corresponds to a service life of 8–12 years before mechanical wear risk increases meaningfully. If the device has tripped more than five times in a single year from actual fault events, the motor or circuit design should be evaluated; the breaker itself should be inspected for contact wear and replaced if there is any doubt about its interrupt integrity.

Why Source the 3RV2011-1FA10 Through LeadTime.ca

  • LeadTime.ca ships worldwide — no geographic restrictions on order fulfillment for industrial automation parts
  • Authorized distributor access to the SIRIUS product family, including adjacent 3RV2 amperage variants and compatible contactors for complete motor starter assemblies
  • Volume pricing available for panel builders, system integrators, and procurement teams ordering across multiple motor circuits or projects
  • Direct technical support from the team to confirm correct model selection before the order is placed — particularly useful when FLA is borderline between two adjacent variants

At-a-Glance Summary

  • Thermal overload adjustment range: 3.5–5A (Class 10) — correct for three-phase motors in the 1–3 hp range at 400V–690V
  • Instantaneous magnetic N-release trips at 65A for bolted short-circuit protection
  • Short-circuit breaking capacity: 10 kA at 690V rated insulation voltage
  • S00 frame dimensions: 45mm wide, 97mm tall, 91mm deep — mounts on 35mm DIN rail
  • Screw terminals accept 1.5–4mm² conductors for all six main circuit connections
  • Operating temperature: -20°C to +60°C; storage to -50°C and +80°C
  • Zero auxiliary contacts — no trip signal output; separate relay required for interlock or alarm circuits
  • Mechanical and electrical endurance: 100,000 switching cycles each; T1 proof test interval 10 years per IEC 61508
  • CE marked; UL and CSA listed for North American use; not approved for hazardous area Zone 1/2 or Zone 21/22
  • Not suitable for VFD output circuits without confirmed derating review