Heinemann | SFM3 Circuit Breaker 10A 3 Pole 415V | 6kA Hydraulic-Magnetic
The Heinemann SFM3-G3-10-2 is a 10A three-pole circuit breaker from the CBI SFM series, rated 415V AC with a 6kA interrupting capacity. The SFM3-G3-10-2 uses hydraulic-magnetic technology, which delivers 100% rating capability independent of ambient temperature. It is approved to AS/NZS 3111 under approval number N15215, carries the Curve 2 medium time delay identified by its white handle, and operates from -40 to +85 degrees.
A thermal magnetic breaker interprets ambient temperature as though it were load current, so its usable rating shrinks as the switchboard warms. The second cost arrives after it operates: the bimetallic strip must cool before the breaker will reset, which leaves an electrician standing at the board waiting for a component to reach temperature. The SFM3-G3-10-2 eliminates both. It holds 100% rating capability independent of ambient temperature, and it can be switched on immediately after tripping.
The operating envelope explains where CBI positions the series. -40 to +85 degrees ambient, 50g shock at an 11 millisecond pulse, and 5g vibration from 35Hz to 200Hz are railway and mining figures rather than switchboard figures. Flammability I3, toxicity F1 and pollution degree PD2 complete the same picture. The SFM3-G3-10-2 is a 10A breaker built to a specification that survives a locomotive, which is why it appears in telecom, UPS and mobile generation cabinets.
Features
- Hydraulic-magnetic technology — CBI rates the SFM3-G3-10-2 at 100% rating capability independent of ambient temperature, rather than derating as a bimetallic mechanism does.
- Switch on immediately after tripping — no cooling period before reset, unlike a thermal breaker that must return to temperature first.
- -40 to +85 degrees ambient — an operating range that covers unconditioned plant rooms, rail cabinets and mine sites rather than office switchboards alone.
- AS/NZS 3111 approved — approval number N15215, with a 6kA interrupting capacity at 415V AC and 2kV dielectric strength to Clause 7.5.2.
- Curve 2 medium time delay — the white handle identifies Curve 2 and 3; CBI also builds Curve 1 long delay with an orange handle and Curve 3 short delay.
- Box terminals 1 to 35mm2 — the G in the part number denotes box terminals at 4Nm torque; lug and rear stud variants take 1 to 50mm2 instead.
- IP2X finger-proof terminals — line and load terminals shroud the live parts, with clear positive ON/OFF identification on the handle.
- Clip tray, front or surface mounting — three mounting methods cover the common SFM board arrangements for new work and retrofits.
- Optional auxiliary switch — a single pole double throw switch rated 15A at 250V AC, approved to DIN/EN 60947-3 and AS/NZS 3111, fitted to the left of the first pole.
- Optional shunt trip — available for remote tripping, though CBI states the shunt trip option carries no approvals.
- Rail and mining environment ratings — 50g shock at an 11ms pulse, 5g vibration from 35Hz to 200Hz, flammability I3, toxicity F1, and pollution degree PD2.
- Overcurrent protection only — the SFM3-G3-10-2 is a series trip overload breaker and does not provide earth leakage protection.
Where to use
- AC branch protection — CBI lists branch circuit protection as the primary application for the SFM series across its rating range.
- Telecom and datacom equipment — the SFM3-G3-10-2 suits cabinets where an auxiliary switch reports breaker state back to a monitoring system.
- UPS equipment — immediate reset after tripping matters where restoring supply quickly is the point of the installation.
- Railway equipment — the shock and vibration ratings are specified for rolling stock rather than fixed switchboards.
- Mining equipment — a -40 to +85 degree range with PD2 pollution degree covers unconditioned and dusty environments.
- Mobile power generation — generator sets run hot and vibrate, which is exactly where a thermal breaker derates and nuisance trips.
- Lighting control and industrial panels — 10A across three poles suits control transformers, contactors, and three-phase auxiliary supplies.
The SFM3-G3-10-2 provides overcurrent protection only and does not provide earth leakage protection. The shunt trip option carries no approvals, which matters where every component in the board must be approved. The temperature claim also has a precise scope. CBI publishes the curves at 30 degrees with the breaker upright, and states the must-hold, must-trip and instantaneous trip values are not affected by temperature. Delay times at other operating currents may need adjustment against a temperature compensation curve, available on request. Endurance is rated at 500 mechanical operations to AS/NZS 3111 Clause 7.7.