Siemens Board A5E00314745

Main Product Series – Function & Application Comparison

Typical Applications & Industries:
✓ Medium-voltage power distribution (up to 24kV) ✓ Industrial plant substations
✓ Transformer and generator protection ✓ Capacitor bank switching
✓ Motor and feeder protection ✓ Renewable energy integration
✓ Switchgear retrofits (ABB HPA, Schneider HWX replacements)  ✓ Smart grid digital substations

Detailed Description – Siemens 3AE Vacuum Circuit Breaker Portfolio

1. 3AE1 Series – Standard Vacuum Circuit Breaker for NXAIR M

The 3AE1 is a 3-pole indoor vacuum circuit breaker designed specifically for use in Siemens NXAIR M air-insulated medium-voltage switchgear . It is built for ratings up to 24kV and provides reliable switching and protection for transformer substations and industrial plants.

Key Features:

• ✓ 3-pole design – Indoor installation, metal-clad switchgear compatible

• ✓ Spring-operated mechanism – Reliable mechanical energy storage

• ✓ Rated voltage – Up to 24 kV

• ✓ Short-time withstand current – Up to 25 kA (1 second)

• ✓ Integrated rating plate – Clear identification on mechanism unit

• ✓ Type-tested – IEC 62271-200 compliant

Typical Applications: Transformer substations of public power supply systems, industrial plants, medium-voltage distribution networks 

Mechanical Specifications:

• Mechanical life: 30,000 operations 

• 10,000 maintenance-free operating cycles

• Ambient temperature: −25°C to +55°C 

Example models: 3AE1 (standard version for NXAIR M)

2. 3AE5 (SION) Series – Compact Modular Circuit Breaker

The SION 3AE5 vacuum circuit breaker is the customized package for panel builders – the most compact vacuum circuit breaker from Siemens for air-insulated medium-voltage switchboards up to 12kV. It is 30% smaller in volume compared to its predecessor .

Key Features:

• ✓ Ultra-compact dimensions – 540mm (H) × 447mm (W) × 390mm (D) – same dimensions across all voltage levels 

• ✓ Flexible pole center distances – 150 / 160 / 210 / 275 mm options 

• ✓ Modular accessory system – Withdrawable module, contact arms, fixed contacts, feed-throughs

• ✓ Multiple contact arm diameters – Ø 35 / 60 / 79 mm

• ✓ Fixed or withdrawable versions – Adaptable to panel requirements

Electrical Specifications:

Control & Auxiliary Features:

• Spring charging motor (M1) – <10 sec charging time 

• Shunt release (Y1) – <80ms opening time 

• Second shunt release (Y2)

• Undervoltage release (Y7)

• Overcurrent release (Y4) – 1A or 0.5A 

• 12 NO + 12 NC auxiliary switches 

• 58-pin secondary connector 

• Anti-pumping feature

• Mechanical switch-on interlocking

• Electrical switch-on interlocking 

Typical Applications: KYN28 switchgear integration (no cabinet modification required), OEM panel building, industrial power distribution, motor and feeder protection, capacitor bank switching 

Example models: 3AE5 (SION standard), 3AE5 withdrawable variant, 3AE5 with IEEE interlock (J59 code) 

3. 3AE8 (SION Smart) Series – Intelligent Predictive Maintenance

The 3AE8 SION Smart vacuum circuit breaker is Siemens’ next-generation intelligent breaker, built on the NXpower Corex technology platform. It combines classic Siemens vacuum switching technology with advanced sensing and IoT connectivity .

Key Features:

• ✓ Closed-loop health diagnosis system – Data collection → diagnostics → health assessment → maintenance recommendations

• ✓ High-precision sensors – 10kHz sampling rate meets latest standards

• ✓ Self-learning algorithm – Combines historical and field data for accurate predictions

• ✓ Predictive maintenance – Shift from passive/planned to predictive maintenance

• ✓ Full EMC certification – Based on protection relay standards

• ✓ Remote/local sequence control – Enhanced operational safety

• ✓ Video monitoring integration – Real-time visual confirmation

Monitoring Coverage:

• ✓ Main circuit monitoring

• ✓ Vacuum interrupter condition

• ✓ Secondary devices status

• ✓ Mechanism health

• ✓ Environmental conditions

Typical Applications: Smart grids, digital substations, critical power infrastructure, facilities requiring predictive maintenance, Industry 4.0-ready switchgear

Example models: 3AE8 SION Smart with health diagnosis system

4. 3AE3 Series – IEEE/ANSI Standard for North America

The SION 3AE3 vacuum circuit breaker is designed for IEEE/ANSI standards and carries the UL RECOGNIZED COMPONENT MARK for Canada and the United States .

Key Features:

• ✓ UL recognized – Complies with ANSI/IEEE C37.20.2-2015

• ✓ Mechanical interlock – Prevents withdrawable part removal when springs are charged or main contacts closed 

• ✓ Testing interlock – Prevents inadvertent discharge of stored energy

• ✓ Withdrawable design – DISCONNECT / TEST / CONNECT positions 

• ✓ 64-pin low-voltage connector – Extended cable harness for control and signal connections 

Position Indicator States:

Typical Applications: North American switchgear (IEEE/ANSI standards), retrofit projects, utility substations, industrial facilities in US/Canada

Example models: 3AE3 on withdrawable part (with J59 code), 3AE5 for IEEE/ANSI applications

Key Technology Features Across 3AE Series

Vacuum Interrupter Technology

All 3AE circuit breakers utilize Siemens’ proven vacuum switching technology . Key advantages include:

• Constant electrical parameters throughout service life

• 30,000 mechanical operations endurance 

• Environmentally friendly – no SF6 gas required

• High dielectric strength and fast arc extinction

Compact & Modular Design

The 3AE5 series is engineered for maximum flexibility :

• 30% smaller volume than predecessor

• Standardized dimensions across voltage levels reduces planning overhead

• Multiple pole center distances for different switchgear interfaces

• Accessory packs simplify installation

Operating Mechanism

• Spring-operated mechanism with manual or motor charging 

• Motor charging time: <10 seconds 

• Closing time: <75ms

• Opening time: <80ms (shunt release) 

• 58-pin secondary connector for control and monitoring

Safety Features

• Mechanical/electrical interlocks prevent incorrect operation 

• Stored energy protection (IEEE interlock on 3AE3) 

• Anti-pumping circuit prevents multiple close commands

• Optional undervoltage and overcurrent releases

Selection Guide – Understanding the Naming Convention (Siemens 3AE Series)

Siemens 3AE part numbers follow a structured logic. Understanding the coding helps rapid selection.

Product family: 3AE = Siemens medium-voltage vacuum circuit breaker

Series identifier breakdown:

Example ordering code (12kV, 1250A, 31.5kA, 150mm pole pitch, 205mm pole center):

Size reference – 3AE5 dimensions :

Current & breaking capacity matrix :