When a three-phase motor stalls, locks up, or loses a phase, the damage usually happens in seconds: winding overheating, bearing wear, and an unplanned line stop. A motor-protection circuit breaker sits at the start of the load feeder to clear both overload and short-circuit faults before they reach the motor or the cables. The Siemens SIRIUS 3RV1011-1GA10 (order number 3RV1011-1GA10) is a compact, size S00 device in the SIRIUS 3RV1 family, rated for a 4.5 to 6.3 A overload setting. This guide covers its verified ratings, trip behavior, wiring, dimensions, and typical duties so maintenance and procurement teams can specify and replace it with confidence. SHLY-PLC supplies SIRIUS control and protection components as an independent industrial-automation distributor; every unit we ship is inspected before dispatch.
What Is the 3RV1011-1GA10?
The 3RV1011-1GA10 is a three-pole motor-protection circuit breaker (motor starter protector) in Siemens' SIRIUS 3RV1 range. It combines two protection functions in one DIN-rail device: a thermal overload release for running overloads and a magnetic short-circuit release for instant trip on severe faults. The adjustable dial sets the overload trip current to match the motor's full-load current, and the device can be clipped directly onto a matching SIRIUS contactor to form a compact motor-starter combination. The S00 frame is the smallest in the family, which makes it a common choice on small machines and auxiliary feeders.
Verified Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Order number | 3RV1011-1GA10 |
| Product family | SIRIUS 3RV1 motor starter protectors |
| Frame size | S00 |
| Design | Circuit breaker for motor protection, 3-pole |
| Overload release setting (Ir) | 4.5 ... 6.3 A, adjustable |
| Instantaneous short-circuit release | 82 A |
| Tripping class | Class 10 |
| Rated operational current (AC-3) | 6.3 A |
| Typical motor power (AC-3, 400 V) | 2.2 kW |
| Rated operational voltage | Up to 690 V AC |
| Breaking capacity (Icu) at 400 V | 100 kA |
| Main circuit terminals | Screw terminals |
| Phase-failure sensitivity | Yes |
| Degree of protection | IP20 |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 90 x 45 x 81 mm |
| Operating temperature | -20 ... +60 °C |
| Net weight | Approx. 0.28 kg |
How the Two Trip Functions Work
The device protects on two fault curves. The thermal overload release (A-release) is set with the dial to the motor's rated current. It trips on an inverse-time relationship: a modest overload takes seconds to minutes, while a heavy overload trips much faster. This mirrors the thermal heating of the motor winding, so the motor is protected against sustained overload without nuisance trips on normal starting. The magnetic short-circuit release (N-release) trips instantaneously at 82 A to clear heavy short circuits before the contacts or cables are damaged. Because the unit is phase-failure sensitive, loss of one phase still produces a trip, which protects the motor from single-phasing damage.
Wiring and Starter Combination
The 3RV1011-1GA10 mounts on a standard 35 mm DIN rail and uses screw terminals on the line (1/L1, 3/L2, 5/L3) and load (2/T1, 4/T2, 6/T3) sides. In a direct-on-line starter it is mounted ahead of, or clipped directly onto, a matching SIRIUS S00 contactor, with the overload auxiliary contact wired into the contactor control circuit. When selecting the breaker, set the dial to the nameplate full-load current of the motor, and confirm the short-circuit trip value and the upstream short-circuit coordination for the cables. As with any low-voltage device, observe the published conductor sizes, tightening torques, and panel clearances.
Typical Applications
- Small three-phase pumps, fans, and compressors up to about 2.2 kW at 400 V
- Auxiliary feeders on conveyors, packaging machines, and tooling
- Machine tools and standalone equipment with compact load centers
- Motor-starter combinations built from a breaker plus SIRIUS contactor
- Replacement of aged S00 protectors on existing SIRIUS panels
For these duties the S00 frame keeps the panel narrow while still providing both overload and short-circuit protection in one device. You can browse related control and protection components in our Siemens range and the broader motor-control collection.
Lifecycle and Spare Parts
Siemens lists the 3RV1 family within its SIRIUS modular system, and the newer 3RV2 generation has largely taken over for new designs. Where an installed base already uses 3RV1 devices, keeping the correct 4.5 to 6.3 A spare on hand avoids a prolonged wait if a feeder fails. When a specific part number becomes hard to source, our Discontinued Products range and sourcing team can help locate matching SIRIUS breakers; simply send us the part number and we will confirm availability and compatible options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motor size does the 3RV1011-1GA10 protect?
Its overload release is adjustable from 4.5 to 6.3 A, corresponding to a typical three-phase motor of about 2.2 kW at 400 V. Set the dial to the motor's nameplate full-load current rather than the cable rating.
What is the difference between the A-release and the N-release?
The A-release is the adjustable thermal overload trip set to the motor current, while the N-release is the fixed magnetic short-circuit trip at 82 A that trips instantly on heavy faults.
Does it need a separate overload relay?
No. As a motor-protection circuit breaker it integrates both thermal overload and short-circuit protection in one unit. When clipped onto a contactor, the overload auxiliary contact drops out the contactor on a trip.
Can it be used on a 690 V system?
Yes, the rated operational voltage extends to 690 V AC. Always verify the breaking capacity at the actual system voltage and the required coordination with upstream protection.
SHLY-PLC is an independent distributor of industrial automation parts. All brand names, model numbers, and trademarks are the property of their respective holders and are used only for identification and compatibility reference.