Siemens 3VA1-H630 Molded Case Circuit Breaker

A Core Component for Industrial Power Distribution Protection

I. Product Positioning and Core Parameters

The Siemens 3VA1-H630 belongs to the **3VA series of Molded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCB)**, which is specifically designed for industrial, infrastructure, and building power distribution systems, providing reliable overload, short-circuit protection, and intelligent control functions. Its core parameters are as follows:

- **Rated Current (In)**: 630 A (suitable for loads below 630 A)

- **Breaking Capacity (Icu)**: 70 kA (High breaking capacity of level H, meeting scenarios with high short-circuit currents)

- **Number of Poles**: 3 poles (supporting three-phase systems)

- **Voltage Range**: AC 400 V (standard industrial voltage)

- **Trip Unit Type**: Thermal-magnetic TM240 (supporting long-time delay overload protection and instantaneous short-circuit protection)

 II. Core Functions and Technical Characteristics

1. **Precise Protection Capabilities**

    - **Overload Protection**: The overload of current is detected through a thermal bimetallic strip, and the tripping time is inversely proportional to the degree of overload (for example, when the current is 1.15 times the rated current, the tripping time is about 2 hours, and when it is 3 times the rated current, it is about 5 seconds).

    - **Short-circuit Protection**: The electromagnetic trip unit acts instantaneously when the short-circuit current reaches 8-12 times the rated current, cutting off the faulty circuit.

    - **Jumping Frequency Control**: It can avoid specific frequency ranges (such as the inrush current during motor starting) to prevent misoperation.

2. **Modular Design and Flexibility**

    - **Removable Control Core**: Supports the replacement of control modules while live, reducing downtime.

    - **Accessory Expansion**:

        - **Auxiliary Contacts**: Used for remotely indicating the status of the circuit breaker (such as closing/open).

        - **Shunt Trip**: Supports remote opening operation (such as triggered by a PLC signal).

        - **Undervoltage Trip**: Automatically trips when the voltage is lower than the set threshold to protect the equipment from damage caused by low voltage.

3. **Communication and Intelligent Monitoring**

    - **Built-in Dual Ethernet/IP Ports**: Seamlessly integrated into industrial automation systems (such as the Siemens Logix platform), supporting real-time monitoring and remote debugging.

    - **Data Monitoring**: It can monitor parameters such as current, voltage, and power factor, assisting in energy management and fault diagnosis.

III. Typical Application Scenarios

1. **Control of Fans and Pumps**

    - **Energy-saving Operation**: In cooperation with a frequency converter (such as AB 25B-D043N114), it realizes the soft start of the motor, reducing the impact of the starting current on the circuit breaker.

    - **PID Closed-loop Control**: Dynamically adjusts the motor speed according to actual needs, and the circuit breaker provides overload and short-circuit protection.

2. **Mixers and Heavy Loads**

    - **High Torque Requirements**: The 70 kA breaking capacity of the 3VA1-H630 can handle the instantaneous large currents that may occur during the mixing process.

    - **Safe Torque Off**: Supports the rapid cut-off of power during emergency shutdowns, meeting the SIL2/PLd safety standards.

3. **Industrial Power Distribution Systems**

    - **Main Incoming Line Protection**: As the main circuit breaker of the power distribution cabinet, it protects downstream equipment from short-circuit faults.

    - **Branch Circuit Protection**: Replaces traditional fuses, providing a resettable protection function and reducing maintenance costs.

 IV. Selection and Installation Suggestions

1. **Selection Considerations**

    - **Load Matching**: For a 22 kW motor (with a rated current of approximately 43 A), it is recommended to select **3VA1-M400** (with a rated current of 400 A) or **3VA1-M500** (with a rated current of 500 A) to avoid insufficient protection sensitivity due to the excessively large rated current of the 630 A model.

    - **Breaking Capacity**: Select the breaking grade according to the short-circuit current level of the system (H = 70 kA, M = 55 kA, S = 36 kA) to ensure reliable breaking of the circuit breaker in case of a fault.

2. **Installation and Maintenance**

    - **Wiring Method**: Supports front or rear panel wiring, and rear panel wiring is recommended to save space.

    - **Environmental Requirements**: The operating temperature range is from -25°C to +70°C, and the humidity is ≤ 95% (without condensation).

    - **Regular Maintenance**: Check the contact wear condition every 1-2 years, clean the arc extinguishing chamber, and ensure the normal function of the trip unit.

V. Alternative Models and Market Trends

- **Alternative Models**: The 3VA1 series is gradually being replaced by the **3VM series** (such as 3VM1-M630), and the latter supports a higher breaking capacity (100 kA) and more intelligent functions (such as harmonic monitoring).

- **Discontinuation Status**: The 3VA1-H630 is still circulating in the market, but it is recommended to give priority to the 3VM series to ensure long-term technical support.

 VI. Summary

The Siemens 3VA1-H630 molded case circuit breaker, with its **high breaking capacity**, **modular design**, and **intelligent communication** features, has become a reliable choice for industrial power distribution protection. Its 70 kA breaking capacity can cope with complex industrial environments, and the thermal-magnetic trip unit and rich accessories meet diverse needs. Although there is the more advanced 3VM series, the 3VA1-H630 is still suitable for scenarios with limited budgets or those requiring compatibility with existing systems. It is recommended to select the model according to the actual load current and short-circuit level, and give priority to the 3VM series to obtain better performance. 

The market price of the Siemens 3VA1-H630 molded case circuit breaker is significantly affected by factors such as region, procurement channel, inventory status, and alternative product strategies. Combining the current market dynamics and technical information, the following is a comprehensive analysis:

 I. Price Range and Market Dynamics

1. **Basic Price Reference**

According to the public quotations in the Chinese market, the unit price of the 3VA1-H630 (3 poles, 70 kA breaking capacity) is approximately **¥4,000–¥4,700** (approximately equivalent to **$550–$650**, estimated according to the current exchange rate). The price in the North American market usually includes tariffs, transportation costs, and distributor profits, and is expected to be between **$700–$900**.

*Note: This price is the unit retail price, and discounts are available for bulk purchases (for example, for more than 10 units, it may be reduced to **$600–$750** per unit).*

2. **Impact of Inventory and Discontinuation**

    - The 3VA1 series is gradually being replaced by the 3VM series. The 3VA1-H630 is currently in the **inventory clearance stage**, and some distributors may offer a **10%–20% discount** to accelerate inventory turnover.

    - If a brand-new, unopened product is required, the price may increase by **15%–30%**, and it is necessary to confirm whether it is the original factory inventory (some channels may sell refurbished or second-hand equipment).

3. **Price Comparison of Alternative Models**

The price of the new-generation 3VM1-M630 (3 poles, 100 kA breaking capacity) in the North American market is approximately **$850–$1,100**, which is **20%–30%** higher than that of the 3VA1-H630. However, it supports a higher breaking capacity and intelligent communication functions (such as harmonic monitoring and remote diagnosis).

 II. Procurement Suggestions and Precautions

1. **Channel Selection**

    - **Authorized Distributors**: Query the authorized distributors in North America through the official website of Siemens (such as hebei china electric) to ensure product quality and after-sales service.

2. **Technical Compatibility**

    - If compatibility with the existing system is required, the 3VA1-H630 can still meet the basic protection requirements. If higher performance (such as intelligent monitoring and energy management) is required, it is recommended to upgrade to the 3VM1-M630.

    - Confirm the compatibility of installation dimensions and accessories (such as auxiliary contacts and shunt trips) to avoid rework due to model differences.

3. **Discontinuation and Spare Parts Support**

    - The 3VA1-H630 has been discontinued, and Siemens only provides **10 years of spare parts support** (calculated from the delisting date). If the project cycle exceeds 5 years, a budget for spare parts procurement needs to be reserved.

    - The alternative model 3VM1-M630 has a longer spare parts supply period and more complete technical support, making it suitable for long-term projects.

III. Typical Application Scenarios and Cost-benefit Analysis

 IV. Procurement Resources in North America

1. **Authorized Distributors**

    - **hebei china electric**: Provides inventory and maintenance services for the 3VA1 series, and you can consult the quotation through the official website or by phone.

V. Summary

- **Recommended Model**: If the budget is limited and the requirements are clear, the 3VA1-H630 is still an economical choice; if long-term stability and intelligence are pursued, the 3VM1-M630 is more preferable.

- **Price Trend**: The inventory price of the 3VA1-H630 may continue to decline, but be wary of the risk of counterfeits; the price of the 3VM1-M630 is stable and suitable for long-term investment.

- **Action Suggestion**: Contact the authorized distributors in North America to obtain customized quotations, and request product discontinuation certificates and spare parts supply commitments.