Continuous current and thermal derating
The 3RW3038-2BB04: Rated 72 A at 40 °C, derating to 62 A at 50 °C and 60 A at 60 °C — the 40 °C figure is the base rating; above that the output current drops linearly. In a warm enclosure or adjacent to other heat sources, budget for the 50 °C or 60 °C column rather than the 40 °C line. Minimum load is 10 % of the rated current — below that the thyristor firing angle may not maintain conduction, so the motor must draw at least 7.2 A for reliable triggering.
Panel fit and mounting constraints
S2 frame size: 170 mm deep, 55 mm wide, 160 mm tall. Screw and snap-on mounting on DIN rail — the snap-on foot engages the rail first, then the screw secures it against vibration. Clearance: 60 mm above, 40 mm below, 30 mm at the side for airflow and wiring access. Mounting position allows ±10° rotation and ±10° tilt front-to-back on a vertical surface — not for horizontal or inverted orientation.
Wiring terminals and conductor sizes
Stranded: 2x (1.5 to 25 mm²). The back clamping point accepts 16 to 2 AWG; the front clamping point 18 to 2 AWG. For auxiliary contacts, 2x (24 to 14 AWG). Maximum wire length 300 m — longer runs increase voltage drop and may affect the thyristor commutation margin.
Lifecycle and sourcing posture
The integrated bypass contact system means the thyristors are shorted after start — reduces heat dissipation in the enclosure and extends the life of the power stage.