200 A minimum and ATEX — what that means for a motor line
The 3RW5076-2TB15: The 200 A minimum current rating sets the floor for motor sizing — this soft starter handles motors drawing at least 200 A at full load, which typically corresponds to a 110-132 kW motor at 400 VAC depending on efficiency class. Below that threshold, the starter's internal current measurement and SCR firing lose resolution, so don't spec it for a 75 kW pump. ATEX and IECEx certification (both listed) means this unit can be installed in Zone 2 or Zone 22 hazardous areas without an external isolation barrier — the soft starter itself is certified for explosive atmospheres. That's a different procurement path than a standard soft starter that needs a downstream ATEX motor isolator.
Trip class and motor protection coordination
The class is field-selectable, not hard-coded. Voltage ramp and pump ramp down are both supported — the ramp profile reduces mechanical shock on start, and the pump ramp down extends the deceleration to prevent water hammer in pipeline systems. That's a feature set usually found on premium drives, not entry-level soft starters.
Fieldbus integration and panel fit
PROFIBUS, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, and EtherNet/IP are all native — no external gateway module needed for most plant networks. PROFIenergy is supported via the PROFINET communication module, which lets the soft starter participate in energy management shutdown sequences during production pauses. Mounting dimensions: 160 mm wide, 230 mm tall, 282 mm deep — screw fixing only, no DIN rail option. The 100 mm upward clearance and 75 mm downward clearance are minimums for airflow; pack them tighter and the 60°C ambient derating kicks in earlier. Side clearance is only 5 mm, so units can be ganged side-by-side in a multi-motor panel.
Active production and compliance documentation
The ATEX and IECEx certificates are separate documents from the CE declaration; request them from the supplier at RFQ time for your hazardous area dossier.