Siemens 3RV2011-1GA10 — Motor Protector Specs & Sizing Guide

By Abdullah Zahid
13 min read
Siemens 3RV2011-1GA10 SIRIUS S00 motor protection circuit breaker 6.3A 690V DIN rail three-pole screw terminal

Siemens 3RV2011-1GA10 SIRIUS Circuit Breaker Size S00, For Motor Protection, CLASS 10, A-Release 4.5-6.3A, N-Release 82A, Screw Terminal — Specifications, Sizing, and Selection Guide

Controls engineers and maintenance leads searching for the Siemens 3RV2011-1GA10 are typically at the final stage of a motor protection decision — they know they need a compact DIN rail protector, they have a motor nameplate in front of them, and they need confirmation that the 4.5-6.3A thermal range, 82A magnetic release, and 100 kA short-circuit breaking capacity at 240-500V covers their application before they commit to a purchase order. This SIRIUS S00 frame three-pole motor protection circuit breaker delivers thermal overload protection via an A-release heater element and instantaneous short-circuit protection via a fixed N-release, in a 45mm-wide screw-terminal package rated to 690V AC. If your motor FLA falls inside the 4.5-6.3A band and your site fault current does not exceed the stated breaking capacity, this is a well-established, widely stocked component with a straightforward commissioning path.

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

Does the Siemens 3RV2011-1GA10 Fit Your Motor and Panel?

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

  • Motor full-load amperage (FLA) from the nameplate falls within the 4.5-6.3A adjustable thermal range — not above 6.3A, not a rough estimate
  • Supply voltage does not exceed 690V AC; three-phase or single-phase AC at 50-60 Hz only — not suitable for DC circuits
  • Site short-circuit fault current has been verified below 100 kA at 240-500V, or below 6 kA at 690V, through a formal fault study
  • Panel layout accommodates a 35mm DIN rail-mounted S00 frame measuring 97mm x 45mm x 97mm with screw terminal connections
  • Application uses Class 10 thermal trip classification — standard continuous-duty motor cycles up to 15 starts per hour
  • No auxiliary contact output or remote signaling is required at this protection point

If you need an auxiliary changeover contact for alarm relay or control sequencing, the 3RV2011-1JA10 is the correct variant. If motor FLA exceeds 6.3A, you must move to a larger SIRIUS frame size — the S00 cannot be adjusted beyond its rated range.

On this page:

What the 3RV2011-1GA10 Actually Does in a Motor Control Circuit

The Siemens 3RV2011-1GA10 is a three-pole motor protection circuit breaker from the SIRIUS product family, housed in the compact S00 frame. Its job is singular and clearly defined: detect and interrupt excessive current caused by motor overload, phase failure, or short-circuit conditions before thermal or mechanical damage reaches the motor windings or connected wiring. It is not a power distribution breaker, and it is not rated as a main service disconnect — an important distinction that affects panel design and code compliance.

Protection comes from two independent mechanisms working in parallel. The thermal A-release — adjustable from 4.5 to 6.3A via a front-face rotary selector dial — uses a bimetal heater element that responds to sustained overcurrent over seconds to minutes. The magnetic N-release is fixed at 82A and responds instantaneously (milliseconds) to short-circuit current. Phase-failure detection is always active with no user configuration required; the breaker recognizes a missing phase and trips automatically to prevent single-phasing burnout. Trip reset is mechanical — the selector lever returns to ON after an automatic trip — and the breaker also supports manual ON/OFF operation for commissioning and emergency stop functions.

The thermal mechanism is heater-element based, not electronic. This is a proven, low-maintenance design appropriate for the vast majority of continuous-duty AC motor applications at standard industrial voltages. It does not provide visual fault indication beyond lever position, and it has zero integrated auxiliary contacts in this variant.

Typical System Architecture for Motor Protection

The 3RV2011-1GA10 sits between the upstream power distribution point and the motor terminals, acting as the primary overload and short-circuit protection element in the motor branch circuit.

  • Upstream: main panel or sub-panel distribution bus feeding branch circuit conductors at site supply voltage (up to 690V AC)
  • Optional upstream isolation: a main contactor or disconnect switch may be required by NEC 440.14 or local code — this breaker does not serve as a service disconnect on its own
  • The 3RV2011-1GA10 mounts on 35mm DIN rail and connects directly in the motor branch circuit conductors, three-phase or single-phase
  • Downstream: motor terminals — typically a 1 to 5 HP three-phase motor depending on supply voltage, with FLA falling in the 4.5-6.3A range
  • Optional downstream: if remote signaling or control sequencing is required, a separate monitoring relay or the 3RV2011-1JA10 variant with auxiliary contact replaces or supplements this unit

Where Engineers Deploy This Breaker

In food and beverage processing, the 3RV2011-1GA10 is a common fit for small conveyor drive motors, mixer drives, and pump motors where motor FLA lands in the 4.5-6.3A range and panel space is limited. The S00 frame's 45mm width allows multiple units on a single DIN rail section without consuming the footprint of a larger S2 device.

Retrofit applications on legacy equipment are a strong use case. Many older installations have standalone thermal overload relays with no integrated short-circuit protection. Replacing them with the 3RV2011-1GA10 combines both functions in one compact unit, reduces wiring complexity, and brings the installation closer to current IEC 60947-6-2 compliance expectations.

OEM machine builders standardize on this part number for motors in the 1-5 HP range across voltage variations (200V through 600V) because the 3RV2011-1GA10's broad voltage rating and stable supply chain make it a reliable catalog specification for panels that ship globally. A single spare unit covers multiple voltage environments, simplifying field inventory.

In HVAC and utility applications — fan motors, circulating pumps, compressors — the Class 10 thermal classification covers the brief inrush on motor start without nuisance tripping, while the 82A magnetic N-release handles any genuine short-circuit event on the branch circuit.

Application Typical Deployment
Food and Beverage Conveyor Drive 3-phase motor, 460-480V supply, 3 HP max, FLA set to nameplate value within 4.5-6.3A range
Wastewater Pump Motor 3-phase motor, continuous duty, phase-loss detection active for unattended pump station protection
HVAC Fan Motor Single or three-phase motor, Class 10 trip class prevents nuisance trip on start inrush up to 15 cycles/hour
OEM Machine Builder Panel DIN rail-mounted in MCC or control cabinet, standardized across motor voltage variants, screw terminal field wiring
Legacy Equipment Retrofit Replaces standalone thermal overload relay; adds integrated magnetic short-circuit protection in same footprint
Packaging Machinery Spindle Compact S00 frame fits constrained panel; FLA dial set to motor nameplate, manual ON/OFF for maintenance isolation

Purchase-Decision Specs: What the Numbers Mean for Your Application

Parameter Value
Thermal Overload Range (A-Release) 4.5-6.3A adjustable
Magnetic Short-Circuit Release (N-Release) 82A fixed instantaneous
Operating Voltage (Maximum) 690V AC
Short-Circuit Breaking Capacity (Icu) 100 kA @ 240-500V; 6 kA @ 690V
Trip Class CLASS 10
Poles 3-pole
Frame Size S00 (compact)
Dimensions (H x W x D) 97mm x 45mm x 97mm
Mounting 35mm DIN rail per DIN EN 60715
Ambient Operating Temperature -20°C to +60°C

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

3RV2011-1GA10 vs. 3RV2011-1JA10 and Other Variants — Which One Do You Actually Need?

Model Current Range Key Difference When to Choose
3RV2011-1GA10 4.5-6.3A Zero auxiliary contacts Standard motor protection; no external signaling or relay output needed
3RV2011-1JA10 4.5-6.3A One changeover (CO) auxiliary contact Alarm relay output or control sequencing signal required at this protection point
3RV2011-1HA10 See datasheet Different N-release magnetic threshold Verify short-circuit release point matches site fault current profile before substituting
SIRIUS S2 Frame (3RV21xx) 10-16A and higher Larger frame for higher-FLA motors Motor FLA exceeds 6.3A; requires additional DIN rail space
SIRIUS 3RV22xx Digital Series Variable Electronic trip, remote monitoring, predictive diagnostics SCADA integration, data logging, or predictive maintenance architecture required

If your architecture requires an auxiliary contact output for PLC sequencing or alarm relay activation, the 3RV2011-1JA10 is the correct same-frame alternative — check current availability and confirm your variant at LeadTime.ca.

Expert Verdict: Honest Assessment for Controls Engineers

The Siemens 3RV2011-1GA10 earns its place as a panel standard for motor protection in the sub-6.3A FLA range. The combination of thermal overload, instantaneous magnetic short-circuit protection, and automatic phase-failure detection in a 45mm-wide S00 frame is genuinely difficult to beat for straightforward AC motor applications. The rotary FLA selector simplifies commissioning — there are no DIP switches, no parameter menus, and no calibration tools required. Class 10 thermal classification covers the normal inrush behavior of standard continuous-duty motors without the nuisance tripping that plagues under-rated or improperly set devices. The 100 kA breaking capacity at 240-500V is a strong figure for an S00-frame device, providing headroom in most industrial installations.

The honest limitations are worth stating clearly. This unit has zero auxiliary contacts — if your control architecture needs a trip signal to a PLC input, an alarm annunciator, or a safety relay, the 3RV2011-1GA10 cannot provide it without a separate monitoring device. The thermal mechanism is not electronic, so there is no fault history, no trip current logging, and no integration path to a SCADA or predictive maintenance system. For VFD-driven motors, harmonic currents and dV/dt transients can cause nuisance trips with standard thermal elements — this application warrants a conversation with an applications engineer before specifying this model. And the fixed 82A N-release magnetic threshold cannot be adjusted; if your site fault current or motor inrush profile is unusual, verify the threshold fits before committing.

From a procurement standpoint, SIRIUS S00 motor breakers are among the more reliably stocked Siemens SIRIUS components through major automation distributors. Volume pricing is available for orders of five units or more, and the product family has a mature supply chain with stable year-over-year pricing. If you are specifying multiple units for a machine build or a facility retrofit, bundling inquiry makes sense. 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 Mounting

  • Mount on 35mm DIN rail per DIN EN 60715; the S00 frame occupies 45mm of rail width — confirm adjacent device clearance and total rail population before installation
  • Screw terminals accept conductors at top and bottom; verify conductor cross-section fits the terminal range specified in the Siemens installation manual and torque terminals to the specified value — under-torqued connections cause arcing and discoloration at the terminal face
  • For three-phase motors, connect phases in phase order across all three poles; phase-loss detection requires all three conductors to be present and active — a missing connection on any pole will trigger a trip
  • This breaker provides overload and short-circuit protection only; NEC 440.14 and equivalent local codes may require an additional main contactor or disconnect switch upstream — confirm requirements with the authority having jurisdiction before final installation
  • If the motor is driven by a VFD, consult Siemens applications documentation before installation; harmonic currents and dV/dt transients from variable frequency drives can interact with standard thermal elements and may require RC snubbers or alternative breaker variants

Motor Sizing Reference: FLA Range, Horsepower, and Frame Selection

The 3RV2011-1GA10 covers specific motor horsepower ratings that vary by supply voltage. The following figures are drawn directly from the product brief and apply at the 4.5-6.3A A-release adjustment range:

Single-phase motor ratings: 115V supply up to 0.25 HP; 230V supply up to 0.5 HP.

Three-phase motor ratings: 200-208V supply up to 1 HP; 220-230V supply up to 1.5 HP; 460-480V supply up to 3 HP; 575-600V supply up to 5 HP.

If your motor FLA from the nameplate falls above 6.3A at any supply voltage, this unit cannot be set correctly — you must select a larger SIRIUS frame size (S2 or S3 family). If FLA falls below 4.5A, the unit can technically be used but verify there is no nuisance trip risk during motor inrush at the minimum dial setting. For DC motors, VFD-driven motors with significant harmonic content, or synchronous motor types, standard thermal elements may not apply — consult an applications engineer before specifying.

The mechanical operating life of the main contacts is rated at 100,000 cycles, and the duty cycle is rated at up to 15 on/off cycles per hour — relevant for applications with frequent motor starts such as packaging feeders or intermittent conveyor drives.

What Engineers Get Wrong When Ordering This Part

Before finalizing your purchase order, work through the following checklist. These points reflect the most common misapplication scenarios for this model — each one can result in a returned part, a failed inspection, or a safety issue in the field.

  1. Confirm this is a motor PROTECTOR (not a main circuit breaker); verify it will NOT serve as primary distribution isolation without additional contactor/disconnect
  2. Verify motor FLA falls within 4.5-6.3A range; oversized motors require step up to larger frame (S2, S3 series, not S00)
  3. Check circuit voltage: 690V maximum. Single-phase and three-phase AC only; not suitable for DC applications
  4. Confirm phase requirement: this is 3-pole; single-phase motors may need alternative configuration or external coordination
  5. Short-circuit capacity: system fault current must NOT exceed 100 kA at 240-500V OR 6 kA at 690V; verify with site short-circuit study
  6. Terminal type: screw connection (not plug connectors); ensure installer has correct tools and procedures for screw terminal torque specs
  7. Mechanical action only (NO electronic trip/display): if commissioning requires visual fault indication or remote signaling, plan secondary monitoring solution

If any item on this checklist raises a question about fit, contact the LeadTime.ca team before ordering — confirming the right part number before purchase is faster than a return and reorder cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the 3RV2011-1GA10 replace my existing thermal overload relay?

Yes, if the existing relay is providing only overload protection and your motor FLA falls within the 4.5-6.3A range. The 3RV2011-1GA10 includes both thermal overload and 82A magnetic short-circuit protection in one unit, so it typically replaces a standalone relay. However, if your relay also provides auxiliary contacts for control sequencing or alarm output, note that the 1GA10 has zero contacts — you would need the 3RV2011-1JA10 variant with a changeover auxiliary contact, or a separate monitoring relay in parallel.

What does Class 10 mean, and is it right for my motor?

Class 10 refers to the thermal trip time classification per IEC 60947-6-2 — at 1.3x rated current, the thermal element reaches trip temperature in approximately 10 seconds. This is the standard classification for continuous-duty AC motors and covers normal start inrush without nuisance tripping. If your application involves repeated locked-rotor conditions or extended high-inrush cycles, Class 20 or Class 30 devices exist in other SIRIUS variants, but Class 10 is correct for the majority of standard motor protection applications.

Does this breaker serve as a main service disconnect?

No. The 3RV2011-1GA10 is a motor protector, not a power distribution or service entrance breaker. NEC Article 430 and NEC 440.14 permit motor circuit protectors in specific configurations, but many installations require an additional main contactor or disconnect switch upstream for safe isolation. Confirm the requirement with your site electrical design and the local authority having jurisdiction before finalizing panel layout.

How do I verify my site's short-circuit current won't exceed the breaker's breaking capacity?

Request the site short-circuit study or fault current calculation from your facility's electrical engineer or the serving utility. The 3RV2011-1GA10 is rated at 100 kA breaking capacity at 240-500V and 6 kA at 690V. If fault current at the installation point exceeds these figures, the breaker cannot safely interrupt a fault — this is a fire and arc-flash hazard. Do not install without confirming the fault current is within the rated breaking capacity.

Can I use the 3RV2011-1GA10 on a VFD-driven motor?

Standard thermal breakers can nuisance-trip on VFD output circuits due to harmonic currents and dV/dt transients that the heater element interprets as overcurrent. If a VFD is in the circuit, consult Siemens applications documentation or contact an applications engineer before specifying this model. RC snubbers, output chokes, or alternative breaker variants may be required depending on VFD output characteristics and cable length.

What is the upgrade path if my motor grows above 6.3A FLA in a future retrofit?

If motor FLA exceeds 6.3A, the S00 frame cannot be adjusted to accommodate it — the thermal dial maximum is fixed at 6.3A. You must move to a larger SIRIUS frame size (S2 or S3 family) with a current range that covers the new motor FLA. If auxiliary contacts or remote monitoring become a future requirement, the 3RV2011-1JA10 covers the same 4.5-6.3A range with an added changeover contact; for advanced diagnostics and SCADA integration, the SIRIUS 3RV22xx digital series is the transition path.

Why Order From LeadTime.ca

  • LeadTime.ca ships worldwide — no geographic restriction on order origin or delivery destination
  • Direct access to pricing and stock status for the Siemens 3RV2011-1GA10 and related SIRIUS S00 variants without a catalog account requirement
  • Volume pricing available for orders of five or more units — contact the team directly for OEM and integrator program pricing
  • Sourcing support for hard-to-find variants and accessories; if the 3RV2011-1JA10 or a related SIRIUS accessory is needed alongside your order, the team can confirm availability in the same inquiry
  • Fast response on lead time confirmation before purchase commitment — critical for build schedules with fixed commissioning dates

At-a-Glance Summary

  • Thermal overload protection: 4.5-6.3A adjustable A-release via front rotary dial — motor nameplate FLA must fall within this range
  • Magnetic short-circuit protection: fixed 82A N-release instantaneous trip — cannot be adjusted
  • Short-circuit breaking capacity: 100 kA at 240-500V AC; 6 kA at 690V AC
  • Operating voltage: up to 690V AC, three-phase or single-phase, 50-60 Hz — not suitable for DC
  • Frame: S00 compact, 45mm wide, mounts on 35mm DIN rail per DIN EN 60715
  • Dimensions: 97mm x 45mm x 97mm; weight 0.352 kg
  • Auxiliary contacts: zero (0 NO / 0 NC) — for auxiliary contact output, order 3RV2011-1JA10
  • Phase-failure detection: automatic, always active, no user configuration required
  • Trip class: CLASS 10 — standard for continuous-duty AC motors, up to 15 cycles per hour
  • Ambient operating range: -20°C to +60°C; storage -50°C to +80°C; installation altitude maximum 2,000m
  • Power dissipation: 6.7W total typical at full load; 7.25W per pole in hot operating state
  • Compliance: IEC 60947-6-2, UL 1077, CSA C22.2 No. 190, DIN EN 60715, IEC 60204-2