User Manual

SIRIUS 3RU2/3RB3 overload relays
5.2 Product description
SIRIUS Innovations
486 System Manual, 01/2011, A8E56203870002-03
5.2 Product description
5.2.1 Introduction
3RU21 thermal overload relays
3RU21 thermal overload relays up to 40 A have been designed to provide current-dependent
protection for loads with normal starting against impermissibly high temperature rises due to
overload, phase asymmetry or phase failure. An overload or phase failure results in an
increase of the motor current beyond the set rated motor current.
Via heating elements, this current rise increasingly heats up the bimetal strips located inside
the device. The deflection of these bimetal strips eventually activates the auxiliary contacts
via a release mechanism. The contacts then disconnect the load via a contactor. (The
contactor function is not an integral component of the overload relay.)
3RB30/3RB31 solid-state overload relays
3RB30/3RB31 solid-state overload relays up to 40 A have been designed to provide current-
dependent protection for loads with normal and heavy-duty starting against impermissibly
high temperature rises due to overload, phase asymmetry or phase failure.
An overload, phase asymmetry or a phase failure results in an increase of the motor current
beyond the set rated motor current.
This current rise is detected by the current transformers integrated in the devices and
evaluated by corresponding solid-state circuits which then supply a pulse to the auxiliary
contacts. The contacts then disconnect the load via a contactor. (The contactor function is
not an integral component of the overload relay.)
In addition to current-dependent protection for loads against impermissibly high temperature
rise caused by overload, phase asymmetry, and phase failure, 3RB31 solid-state overload
relays feature internal ground-fault detection (not possible in conjunction with contactor
assemblies for star-delta (wye-delta) start). This provides protection of loads against high-
impedance faults to ground caused by damaged insulation, moisture, condensation, etc.
System integration
The overload relays have been matched to the contactors in the 3RT series both electrically
and mechanically and can be integrated in the feeder by means of direct mounting. The
thermal and the solid-state overload relays are available in two sizes, S00 and S0.
Connection systems
The overload relays are available with the following connection system options:
● Screw-type connection system
● Spring-loaded connection system
● Ring cable lug connection system (3RU21 only)