Siemens 3VA5217-6EF31-0AA0 Molded-Case Circuit Breaker
SENTRON 3VA5 Family — Trade-Offs
- ATAM versus FTAM/FTFM trip units: the seed carries an ATAM (adjustable thermal-magnetic) release; FTAM and FTFM variants add VDE or extended agency coverage but share the same 175 A frame and 65 kA interruption rating—verify trip-characteristic curve requirements before substitution.
- RoHS non-compliant status: both the seed and most alternates list RoHS non-compliant; procurement in regions enforcing RoHS recast must confirm acceptable variance or source an equivalent compliant series.
- Three-pole versus four-pole selection: the seed is a 3-pole device; the 4-pole alternates (6EF41 variants) provide neutral protection but increase panel footprint—confirm DIN-rail enclosure depth and busbar layout compatibility.
- Package and quantity sensitivity: seed ships in box packaging; bulk-packaged alternates (e.g., 6EF41-2AA0) may suit high-volume orders but affect unit quantity and storage shelving plans.
- Agency coverage gaps: seed approvals include CCC, CE, CSA, EAC, UL489; FTAM/FTFM variants add VDE—international installations in strict VDE territories require a variant with that agency mark or local verification.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Current Rating | 175 A |
| Number of Poles | 3 |
| Interruption Rating | 65 kA |
| Actuator | Lever |
| Mounting | DIN Rail |
| Encapsulation | Box |
| Illumination | None |
| Agency | CCC, CE, CSA, EAC, UL489 |
| RoHS | Non-compliant |
| Product Status | Active |
| Series | SENTRON 3VA5 |
Alternate Selection
Three-pole, 175 A, 65 kA, DIN-rail molded-case breakers from the same 3VA52 family exist as direct substitutes: 3VA5217-6EF32-0AA0 (with nut) and 3VA5217-6EF36-0AA0 (aluminum terminals) match the seed on all recorded electrical and mechanical parameters. These alternate only on terminal configuration—not on rating or physical mounting—and retain CCC, CE, CSA, UL489 without EAC. Four-pole variants 3VA5217-6EF41-0AA0 and 3VA5217-6EF41-2AA0 add neutral pole protection but require additional DIN rail width.
FTAM/FTFM trip-unit variants (6EC and 6ED prefixes) carry VDE and broader CSA coverage while sharing the same frame, poles, current, interruption, and mounting—useful when European installation standards demand VDE certification beyond the seed's ATAM configuration.
Engineering Verification Checklist
- Confirm load break coordination with upstream protective device
- Verify DIN-rail enclosure dimensions accommodate 3-pole 175 A frame depth
- Validate busbar termination torque rating for 175 A feeder conductors
- Confirm applicable fault duty does not exceed 65 kA at installed voltage
- Check local agency requirements (CCC, CSA, EAC) against installation jurisdiction
- Determine whether RoHS recast exemption or compliant variant is required
- Confirm ATAM trip curve settings suit protected load thermal characteristics
- Verify lever operator reach and clearances for intended enclosure access