Equivalent & Substitute Parts for 3C20UM Circuit Breaker

Part Overview

The 3C20UM is a thermal magnetic circuit breaker manufactured by Altech Corporation, rated for 20A at 480V AC and 80V DC. This DIN rail-mounted device features a lever actuator and three poles, designed for industrial electrical distribution and protection applications. The part is currently active in production with full stock availability. Substitute parts are identified to provide alternative sourcing options when the primary part is unavailable or when specific thermal-magnetic characteristics are required for application requirements.

Substiute Parts

3C20UM

Altech CorporationIn Stock: 10083C20UM Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

3B20UM

Altech CorporationIn Stock: 10843B20UM Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

3E20UM

Altech CorporationIn Stock: 9443E20UM Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 3C20UM is determined by matching the following critical parameters: current rating (20A), voltage ratings (480V AC / 80V DC), breaker type (thermal magnetic), pole configuration (3-pole), mounting standard (DIN rail), and actuator mechanism (lever). The substitute parts 3B20UM and 3E20UM meet all these electrical and mechanical requirements. The primary distinction among these parts is the thermal-magnetic characteristic class (B-characteristic, C-characteristic, and E-characteristic), which defines the trip point behavior under fault conditions. All three parts belong to the V-EA series and maintain identical physical mounting and electrical interface specifications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All three parts—3C20UM, 3B20UM, and 3E20UM—are active products with full regulatory compliance. The 3C20UM and 3B20UM both carry CSA, UL508, and VDE approvals, while the 3E20UM carries CSA and UL508 approvals. Selection between these parts should be based on the specific thermal-magnetic characteristic requirement of the application. All parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, ensuring environmental regulatory alignment. Inventory availability is adequate across all three options, with 3B20UM showing the highest stock level at 1057 pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can 3B20UM and 3E20UM be used interchangeably with 3C20UM?

A: Yes, provided the application permits the use of different thermal-magnetic characteristic classes. The B-characteristic (3B20UM), C-characteristic (3C20UM), and E-characteristic (3E20UM) differ in their trip point behavior under overload and short-circuit conditions. Verify that the substitute part's characteristic class aligns with circuit protection requirements.

Q: Are there any differences in regulatory approvals between these parts?

A: The 3C20UM and 3B20UM carry identical approvals: CSA, UL508, and VDE. The 3E20UM carries CSA and UL508 approvals but does not include VDE certification. If VDE compliance is required, use 3C20UM or 3B20UM.

Q: Do these parts have identical physical dimensions and DIN rail mounting?

A: Yes. All three parts are mounted on standard DIN rail with identical mechanical interfaces and lever actuator configurations. Physical installation is interchangeable.

Q: What is the difference between B, C, and E characteristic classes?

A: Characteristic class designates the instantaneous trip threshold as a multiple of rated current. B-characteristic trips at 3-5× rated current, C-characteristic at 5-10× rated current, and E-characteristic at 10-14× rated current. Selection depends on the circuit's inrush current profile and protection strategy.

Q: Are all parts RoHS and REACH compliant?

A: Yes. All three parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental regulations.