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)