Rated current and thermal derating — the real capacity
The 3RW4435-6BC36 is rated 232 A at 40 °C ambient. The derating temperature threshold is 40 °C — above that, the continuous current capability falls linearly. For a panel builder, this means the soft starter's actual capacity in a warm enclosure is lower than the 232 A headline; the ventilation and ambient inside the cabinet govern the real ampacity.
Inside-delta wiring and adjustable current limit
This unit supports inside-delta circuit configuration, which lets the soft starter control two motor windings directly while the third runs through the contactor — common for reducing the device current rating relative to the motor FLA. The adjustable current limitation lets you set the starting current between 8% and 100% of the rated value, so the same unit can be tuned to different motor loads or soft-start profiles without changing hardware.
Mounting, wiring, and clearances
The unit measures 200 mm high, 170 mm wide, and 270 mm deep. Clearance requirements: 100 mm above, 75 mm below, 5 mm at the sides. Main circuit wiring accepts stranded 25–120 mm² or busbar connection; auxiliary contacts take solid 0.5–2.5 mm². The wire length maximum is 500 m — relevant for remote start/stop stations.
Protection and diagnostics
Built-in motor overload protection and intrinsic device protection cover the soft starter's own thyristors against overcurrent and overtemperature. The display version shows fault signals, and an external reset input allows remote clearing of trip conditions without opening the panel. Pollution degree 3 per IEC 60947-4-2 means it tolerates conductive dust and humidity in industrial environments.