3Z20UM 20A Circuit Breaker Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The 3Z20UM is a three-pole thermal magnetic circuit breaker manufactured by Altech Corporation, rated for 20A at 480V AC and 80V DC. This DIN rail-mounted breaker is part of the V-EA series and holds Active product status with CSA and UL508 approvals. Circuit breakers of this specification are essential components in industrial and commercial electrical distribution systems. Substitute parts become necessary due to inventory availability, supply chain considerations, or specific application requirements while maintaining identical electrical and mechanical performance parameters.

Substiute Parts

3Z20UM

Altech CorporationIn Stock: 10473Z20UM Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

3B20UM

Altech CorporationIn Stock: 10843B20UM Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

3C20UM

Altech CorporationIn Stock: 10083C20UM Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

3E20UM

Altech CorporationIn Stock: 9443E20UM Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The 3Z20UM circuit breaker has three parametric equivalents: 3B20UM, 3C20UM, and 3E20UM. All substitute parts share identical electrical ratings (20A, 480V AC, 80V DC), mechanical configuration (3-pole, DIN rail mount, lever actuator), and product status (Active, ROHS3 Compliant). The substitution logic is based strictly on these matching parameters. The primary distinction among these parts lies in their trip characteristic designations (Z, B, C, and E characteristics), which define the thermal-magnetic response curves. All parts maintain the same voltage and current specifications, ensuring direct functional interchangeability within applications designed for these ratings. Approval agencies vary slightly: the 3Z20UM and 3E20UM carry CSA and UL508 certifications, while 3B20UM and 3C20UM include additional VDE approval.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All four parts (3Z20UM, 3B20UM, 3C20UM, 3E20UM) maintain Active product status and full ROHS3 compliance. Selection among these equivalents should be based on approval agency requirements for the target application. The 3B20UM and 3C20UM offer expanded certification coverage with VDE approval in addition to CSA and UL508, making them suitable for applications requiring European compliance standards. The 3Z20UM and 3E20UM are appropriate for applications requiring only CSA and UL508 certifications. Inventory availability should be considered as a secondary factor: 3B20UM currently has the highest stock level at 1057 pieces, followed by 3Z20UM at 1002 pieces, 3C20UM at 942 pieces, and 3E20UM at 883 pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can 3B20UM, 3C20UM, and 3E20UM be used interchangeably with 3Z20UM?

A: Yes, these parts are parametric equivalents. They share identical electrical ratings (20A, 480V AC, 80V DC), mechanical specifications (3-pole, DIN rail mount, lever actuator), and product status. Selection depends on approval agency requirements and application-specific compliance needs.

Q: What is the difference between the Z, B, C, and E designations?

A: These designations indicate different trip characteristic curves that define the thermal-magnetic response behavior of the breaker. The provided parameters confirm all parts are thermal magnetic breakers with identical voltage and current ratings; the characteristic designation affects response timing but not the fundamental electrical specifications.

Q: Are there packaging differences among these substitute parts?

A: All four parts are supplied in Bulk packaging. No packaging variations exist among the substitute options.

Q: Which part should be selected for European applications?

A: For applications requiring European compliance, select either 3B20UM or 3C20UM, as both include VDE approval in addition to CSA and UL508 certifications.

Q: Is inventory level a factor in part selection?

A: Inventory levels should be considered only after confirming that the selected part meets all electrical, mechanical, and compliance requirements for the application. Current availability: 3B20UM (1057 pcs), 3Z20UM (1002 pcs), 3C20UM (942 pcs), 3E20UM (883 pcs).