Infrastructure & Cities Sector

Background Information

Low and Medium Voltage Division

Erlangen, February 18, 2014

3VA Molded Case Circuit Breakers for Low Voltage Power Distribution MCCBs rank among the most important safety components in low voltage power distribution: An estimated 30 million MCCBs are installed each year around the globe in a great variety of technical environments, including large-scale residential and non-residential complexes and manufacturing facilities. They protect electric lines and electric consumers, as well as entire industrial systems from damage and failures by safely disconnecting the power supply in case of faults like short-circuit or overloads. MCCBs are increasingly assigned additional operational tasks, e.g. the collection of power usage data. These additional tasks mean that electrical planning and the installation as a whole will also become more complex.

Planners, switchgear and machine engineers, installers, and operators must come to grips with this increasing complexity – while at the same time having to deal with growing pressure in terms of competition and cost requirements. Siemens’ new 3VA molded case circuit breaker is a sophisticated, modular, and highly variable system, which was designed specifically with optimized support in mind for every process step – from initial engineering all the way to the actual operation of electrical power distribution systems.

Designed for Variety The 3VA series by Siemens will renew the Sentron portfolio of molded case circuit breakers for low voltage power distribution in buildings, infrastructure, and industrial applications. Areas of application for the 3VA MCCB will range from standard applications in buildings to sophisticated industrial systems. They can be used in distribution boards for sub-distribution in non-residential buildings, and in industrial switchgear, control technology, or machines.

The new MCCBs are available in the versions 3VA1 and 3VA2. Depending on size Siemens AG Wittelsbacherplatz 2, 80333 Munich, Germany Communications and Government Affairs Head: Stephan Heimbach Background Information: ICLMV201402.01e

Infrastructure & Cities Sector Low and Medium Voltage Division Freyeslebenstraße 1, 91058 Erlangen

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and model, the devices will be available as 1- to 4-pole versions for rated currents between 16 to 630 A, and rated voltages up to 690 V AC.

3VA1 Molded Case Circuit Breaker The devices of the 3VA1 series will be available for rated currents up to 160 A, and fulfill all standard tasks in line protection. Due to their particularly compact design, 3VA1 MCCBs are the perfect choice for applications in distribution boards and machine engineering. They are easily mounted as fixed or plug-in versions. The basic trigger for overload or short-circuit protection is a thermal-magnetic, electronic trip unit (TMTU). TMTUs are suitable for use in three-phase, AC, and DC networks.

3VA2 Molded Case Circuit Breaker The 3VA2 series is designed for use in applications with higher technical requirements, and a rated current of up to 630 A. In addition to an increased switching capacity of up to 150 kA, these MCCBs come with an electronic trip unit (ETU), and an integration capability for metering and communication functions. Their optimized selectivity properties ensure selective protection behavior among MCCBs and to other protective devices. The current-limiting contact system furthermore ensures a very high switching capacity. ETUs guarantee reliable overload protection, short-term delayed or instantaneous tripping in case of a short-circuit, neutral conductor protection, and fault protection against ground. Mobile test devices allow the checking and parameterization of ETU functions in MCCBs on site.

Extensive Selection of Accessories with over 500 Individual Components 3VA molded case circuit breakers can be custom configured, with the option for a modular expansion to include around 70 functions. The standardized accessory matches all model series and several sizes, offering over 500 components for integration and mounting, and can be combined with the basic units in virtually any configuration. High packing density is therefore ensured for all model sizes, and allows the realization of a wide variety of tasks: MCCBs can, for example, be used for generator safety, line protection, or even as a main switch. The selection of internal accessories includes communication modules, auxiliary and alarm switches, and a wide range of shunt releases. Also available are very versatile, lockable manual operating mechanisms including a side panel mounted rotary operating mechanism, and a motorized operating mechanism for the remote Background Information: ICLMV201402.01e

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switching of the MCCB. Internal accessory modules can be used and integrated with all model sizes. Mechanical and color coding on each module eliminates erroneous application. Modules are simply plugged into their clearly coded accessory ports and connected. Internal accessories are available as a compact design or in a model specifically designed for continuous current load.

Less Energy Costs The 3VA2 (ETU850 and ETU860) MCCBs come with an integrated metering function for the capture of current, voltage, and power values. The metering function furthermore detects the switching state, limit values, and maintenance information, which can then be transmitted to superordinate systems by way of communication modules. A communication module (COM800) allows the bundling and transmission of data from up to eight devices. Systems requiring only one integrated MCCB can alternatively be combined with the COM100 communication module. Data transfer, and the integration in a superordinate energy management or automation system occurs via the popular bus systems PROFIBUS, PROFINET, and Ethernet (Modbus TCP). An additional display that can be optionally mounted on the control cabinet door will show the current energy values of up to eight MCCBs. On the basis of the energy values captured, and the periodic status, error, and alarm messages generated, MCCBs will directly contribute to higher system transparency and energy efficiency. Faults are detected early, and can be remedied faster. The capture and analysis of precise consumption data will result in an estimated average energy cost saving of five percent. Another advantage: The metering function, which is integrated directly into the circuit breaker, will help save about fifty percent of the time needed to install an external metering device. There will be no need for external wiring, or the installation of an external current transformer. Increased Safety during Installation and Operation Critical system states are reported by the trip units, auxiliary, and alarm switches to superordinate systems. The comprehensive selectivity of the MCCBs ensures that only the actual system section affected by the fault will be disconnected. A complete standstill of the entire system is therefore prevented. Optional residual current devices, which can be additionally installed on the 3VA molded case circuit breaker, capture all fault or residual currents, and ensure safe disconnection in case of an error.

Background Information: ICLMV201402.01e

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The intuitive and ergonomic device design, combined with integrated indicators and displays, ensures a comfortable and safe operation of the MCCB. The switch position is clearly visible at all times; an optional illumination kit helps support visibility in poor light conditions. Unauthorized switching is prevented with front or rear-mounted locking options.

Up to 80 Percent Time Savings for Configuration The engineering effort for 3VA molded case circuit breakers, from planning to installation and maintenance, has been minimized. Innovative online service tools offer hands-on support: An online product configurator helps in the customized configuration of each individual MCCB. All the necessary technical information for planning and configuration is available for download. 12 CAx data types, including 3D models and characteristic curves can be flexibly compiled via the CAx download manager, and downloaded in seconds. These can be integrated in all popular configuring tools. Compared with traditional manual data search, this method will save up to 80 percent of your time. The central provisioning of data furthermore makes the manual procurement and creation of e.g. 2D images and connection diagrams obsolete. Human error during manual processing is therefore eliminated. All relevant technical information can be sourced online even after the system has been commissioned – directly on site – which can be very useful for maintenance purposes. All necessary information is easily accessible via the QR code on the devices. Simply scan the code with any mobile device with internet connectivity – all relevant service and support information available online will be displayed. Mobile access will save around 30 percent of the time needed for a manual search in hardcopy documents or online. 3VA Molded Case Circuit Breaker – Latest Innovations 

A More Compact Design: The dimensions of the 3VA MCCB have been reduced by on average a third in all model sizes. The 3VA1, measuring now only 130 x 76 x 70 mm (H x W x D), is the smallest ever Siemens MCCB, offering a switching capacity up to 70 kA. Compared with similar products, the 3VA1 will save up to 50 percent of space in switching systems, control cabinets, and distribution boards.

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Broad Spectrum of Accessories: The accessories offering has been standardized across the entire product range, and currently includes more than 500 components. All accessories can be easily combined with the entire

Background Information: ICLMV201402.01e

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range of around 2500 basic switch versions. MCCBs can therefore be customized for virtually any area of application and can be supplemented with around 70 additional functions. New are the metering function, which is now directly integrated in the MCCB, a switch disconnector version, and an MCCB with a side wall mounted rotary operator. An online configurator assists in finding the correct combination of required components and functions. 

Integrated Metering Function: The metering function, which is now available as an integrated switch component, allows the capture of current, voltage, and power values, as well as system states, which can then be forwarded via communication interfaces to superordinate management systems. Molded case circuit breakers can therefore contribute to higher energy efficiency and system availability.

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Mobile Support: All relevant product information and engineering data is available for download. The provision of 12 CAx data types means additional time saving of up to 80 percent during the planning and configuration phase. For the very first time, all information required during maintenance can be accessed online on a smartphone or tablet directly via the device’s QR code. Here, time savings are impressive: up to one third compared with manual information procurement.

Contact for journalists: Heidi Fleissner, phone: +49 941 790-2212 E-mail: [email protected]

Heiko Jahr, phone: +49 9131 7 29 575 E-mail: [email protected]

This press release and a press picture is available at www.siemens.com/press/pi/ICLMV20140201d For further information on 3VA MCCB, please see www.siemens.com/3VA Follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/siemens_press

Background Information: ICLMV201402.01e

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The Siemens Infrastructure & Cities Sector (Munich, Germany), with approximately 90,000 employees, focuses on sustainable technologies for metropolitan areas and their infrastructures. Its offering includes products, systems and solutions for intelligent traffic management, rail-bound transportation, smart grids, energy efficient buildings, and safety and security. The Sector comprises the divisions Building Technologies, Low and Medium Voltage, Mobility and Logistics, Rail Systems and Smart Grid. For more information, visit http://www.siemens.com/infrastructure-cities The Siemens Low and Medium Voltage Division (Erlangen, Germany) serves the entire product, system, and solutions business for reliable power distribution and supply at the low- and medium-voltage levels. The Division’s portfolio includes switchgear and busbar trunking systems, power supply solutions, distribution boards, protection, switching, measuring and monitoring devices as well as energy storage systems for the integration of renewable energy into the grid. The systems are supplemented by communications-enabled software tools that can link power distribution systems to building or industry automation systems. Low and Medium Voltage ensures the efficient supply of power for power grids, infrastructure, buildings, and industry. Additional information is available at: http://www.siemens.com/powerdistribution

Background Information: ICLMV201402.01e

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