3.6 Ohm, 70 kW — braking resistor for Altivar 68 drives
The VW3A68716 is an enclosed braking resistor from the Schneider Electric Altivar range, rated at 3.6 Ohm with an average power capacity of 70 kW. It is designed to dissipate regenerative energy from an Altivar 68 drive during deceleration, converting it to heat rather than letting it spike the DC bus. The IP23 enclosure means the resistor is protected against solid objects larger than 12 mm and against water spray up to 60° from vertical — suitable for indoor installation in a drive cabinet where splash or dripping water is possible, but not for washdown zones. Thermal protection is handled externally via the drive's braking transistor control or a separate temperature control switch; the resistor itself does not contain an internal thermal cut-out, so the drive or a monitoring relay must manage overtemperature.
Obsolete — sourcing through independent channels
Schneider Electric has marked the VW3A68716 as obsolete. Because production has ended, new stock is sourced from independent surplus and broker channels. Quantities are confirmed per RFQ — no standing stock is held. A buyer with a BOM line for this resistor should submit a request; availability and pricing are checked at quote time.