3C5UM 5A Circuit Breaker Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 3C5UM is a three-pole thermal magnetic circuit breaker manufactured by Altech Corporation, rated for 5A at 480V AC and 80V DC operation. This DIN rail-mounted device features lever actuation and is designed for industrial control applications requiring overcurrent protection. The product is currently active in production with full compliance to CSA, UL508, and VDE standards. Substitute parts become necessary when primary inventory is unavailable, when specific thermal characteristics are required for application tuning, or when supply chain optimization is needed while maintaining equivalent electrical and mechanical performance.

Substiute Parts

3C5UM

Altech CorporationIn Stock: 8773C5UM Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

3D5UM

Altech CorporationIn Stock: 8873D5UM Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

3E5UM

Altech CorporationIn Stock: 9903E5UM Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The 3C5UM circuit breaker can be substituted with 3D5UM and 3E5UM based on the following criteria:

Substitution Logic: All three parts share identical electrical and mechanical specifications across the parameters that define circuit breaker functionality and compatibility:

• Current rating: 5A
• Voltage ratings: 480V AC / 80V DC
• Breaker type: Thermal Magnetic
• Number of poles: 3
• Mounting configuration: DIN Rail
• Actuator mechanism: Lever
• Series designation: V-EA

Differentiating Factor: The primary distinction between these parts lies in their thermal characteristic designation (C, D, and E), which defines the trip curve behavior. This characteristic determines the thermal response time under overload conditions. All three parts maintain identical voltage and current ratings, making them mechanically and electrically interchangeable within applications where the specific thermal characteristic is not a critical design parameter.

Compliance Alignment:

• 3C5UM and 3D5UM: CSA, UL508, VDE approved
• 3E5UM: CSA, UL508 approved

All parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Selection (3C5UM): Use when VDE certification is required for European market applications or when C-characteristic thermal response is specified in system design documentation.

Alternative Selection (3D5UM): Use when D-characteristic thermal response is required or when VDE certification is mandatory and C-characteristic is not specified. Maintains full compliance across CSA, UL508, and VDE standards.

Alternative Selection (3E5UM): Use when E-characteristic thermal response is required. Note that this part carries CSA and UL508 certification but does not include VDE approval. Selection of 3E5UM requires confirmation that VDE certification is not a project requirement.

Inventory Considerations:

• 3C5UM: 829 units available
• 3D5UM: 876 units available
• 3E5UM: 952 units available

All parts are supplied in bulk packaging and are new original stock.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can 3D5UM and 3E5UM be used interchangeably with 3C5UM? A: Yes, provided that the thermal characteristic (C, D, or E) is not a specified design requirement. All three parts have identical current ratings, voltage ratings, pole configuration, and mounting specifications. The thermal characteristic affects trip curve behavior under overload conditions.

Q: What is the difference between C, D, and E thermal characteristics? A: The thermal characteristic designation defines the trip curve response time. C-characteristic provides faster response, D-characteristic provides intermediate response, and E-characteristic provides slower response. Selection depends on the specific application's inrush current tolerance and protection requirements.

Q: Does 3E5UM have the same certifications as 3C5UM? A: No. 3E5UM carries CSA and UL508 certification, while 3C5UM carries CSA, UL508, and VDE certification. If VDE compliance is required for your application, 3E5UM is not suitable.

Q: Are all three parts DIN rail compatible? A: Yes. All three parts (3C5UM, 3D5UM, 3E5UM) are designed for DIN rail mounting and share identical mechanical dimensions and mounting specifications.

Q: What is the base product number for these parts? A: The base product numbers are 3C5, 3D5, and 3E5 respectively. The "UM" suffix indicates the specific packaging and configuration variant.

Q: Are these parts RoHS compliant? A: Yes. All three parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected.