Siemens 5SJ43208HG41 Three-Pole DIN Rail MCB
Part number decode — 5SJ4 family context
The prefix 5SJ4 places this device in Siemens' 5SJ4 miniature circuit breaker series, a widely deployed family for branch protection in industrial control cabinets. Within the full string, the digit structure after the series code (32 = three poles) and the two-character trip indicator (HG = D-curve thermal-magnetic, 41 = 14 kA @ 240 V) encode the primary selection dimensions. The trailing digits differentiate voltage class and interruption rating across catalog variants.
Catalog peer comparison — 5SJ4 3-pole, 20 A variants
The following table shows in-catalog alternatives sharing the same series, pole count, and current rating. Similarity is a parametric proximity measure only; none of these parts carry OEM interchange endorsement.
| MPN | Poles | Current | Trip | Voltage class | Interruption | Approval |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5SJ43208HG41 | 3 | 20 A | D | 240 V AC | 14 kA | CCC, CE, EAC, UL489 |
| 5SJ4320-8HG42 | 3 | 20 A | D | 480/277 V AC | 10 kA | CCC, CE, CSA, EAC, UL, VDE |
| 5SJ43207HG41 | 3 | 20 A | C | 240 V AC | 14 kA | CCC, CE, EAC, UL489 |
| 5SJ4320-7HG42 | 3 | 20 A | C | 480/277 V AC | 10 kA | CCC, CE, CSA, EAC, UL, VDE |
Why the closest alternates differ:
- 5SJ4320-8HG42 (similarity 1.0) lifts the voltage rating to 480/277 V AC and reduces interruption to 10 kA; it ships in bulk packaging rather than box quantity. The higher voltage class accommodates multi-phase branch circuits at increased system voltage.
- 5SJ43207HG41 (similarity 0.88) substitutes the C-curve trip characteristic; C-curve devices trip between 5× and 10× nominal current, while D-curve devices (the seed) trip between 10× and 20×. For motor or transformer inrush, C-curve often avoids nuisance trips; for high inductive kickback, D-curve provides margin.
Two other alternates (5SJ43258HG41, 5SJ43257HG41) share the same structural parameters but step up to 25 A, which affects coordination and upstream protective device sizing.
Grounded specifications — 5SJ43208HG41
- Poles: 3
- Current rating: 20 A
- Trip characteristic: D-curve (instantaneous trip band 10–20×)
- Voltage class: 240 V AC
- Interruption rating: 14 kA
- Mounting: DIN rail
- Actuator: Lever (manual ON/OFF/trip)
- Illumination: None
- Encapsulation / package: Box
- Approvals: CCC, CE, EAC, UL489
- RoHS compliance: Non-compliant
- Status: Active
Selection considerations — implied trade-offs
- Trip curve D vs C: D-curve tolerates higher inrush peaks; C-curve trips faster on lower overloads — selection depends on load type and coordination study targets.
- Voltage class 240 V vs 480/277 V: Using a 240 V part in a higher-voltage system is not acceptable; check system phase-to-phase rating before specifying.
- 14 kA vs 10 kA: The seed offers a higher interruption rating, which matters where available short-circuit current is high.
- Package format: Box quantity may suit stock replenishment cycles differently than bulk packaging on alternates.
- Approval scope: All listed parts carry CCC and CE; VDE and CSA appear selectively and may affect certification requirements for specific markets.
FAQ
What does the D-curve trip characteristic mean for load types? D-curve devices accommodate inrush currents up to roughly 20× nominal, making them suitable for inductive loads such as transformers, contactor coils, and magnetic braking circuits. Do not substitute a C-curve part without checking whether the load's inrush profile fits the narrower trip band.
Can the 5SJ43208HG41 replace 5SJ43207HG41 based on similarity score? No. The two parts share the same current and voltage rating but differ in trip curve (D vs C). Trip characteristic determines coordination with upstream protective devices and downstream load; a replacement must match the trip curve required by the circuit design.
How do the 20 A variants on this page differ from the 25 A alternatives? The 25 A parts (5SJ43258HG41, 5SJ43257HG41, 5SJ4325-8HG42, 5SJ4325-7HG42) carry the same pole count, trip options, and mounting but increase the thermal element setting. Changing current rating affects branch coordination and requires re-evaluation of upstream protective device sizing.