Commutating Choke for Converter Duty
The Siemens 4EP3600-4DS00 is a 3-phase commutating choke (line reactor) designed for use with power converters. It's rated for a maximum continuous current of 31.5 A at 400 V AC, 50 Hz, with a nominal inductance of 0.45 mH and a relative inductive voltage drop of 2% at rated conditions. This choke is intended to smooth the current waveform and limit di/dt on the input or DC link of a variable-frequency drive or other thyristor/IGBT converter, reducing harmonic distortion and protecting the converter's semiconductors.
What the Ratings Mean for Your Panel
The 31.5 A maximum and 28.35 A rated current (Ith max / I LN) define the continuous thermal capacity at 40 °C ambient. If your drive's input current exceeds 28.35 A continuously, you need a larger choke — this one will saturate or overheat. The 2% voltage drop at rated current is typical for line reactors; it's a trade-off between harmonic attenuation and voltage sag at the drive input. The 0.45 mH inductance is the value that determines the choke's impedance at 50 Hz. For a given drive, you'd size this so the voltage drop stays within the drive's input voltage tolerance (usually 2-5%). The 38.6 A DC rating suggests it can also sit in a DC link circuit, but verify the DC current ripple and voltage rating against your application. IP00 means it's an open-frame component — no enclosure. It must be mounted inside a panel or cabinet that provides the required touch protection and environmental sealing. The screw-type terminals accept standard lug or ring-tongue terminations; plan for adequate bending space and clearance to grounded metal.
Integration and Mounting
The 4EP3600-4DS00 measures 148 mm wide by 139 mm tall by 78 mm deep. It's a panel-mount component, not DIN-rail snap-on. Plan for four mounting points on a backplate or chassis, with clearance for the screw terminals on top. The thermal class B insulation (130 °C) means it can run hot internally, but keep ambient below 40 °C for full rated current. Power loss splits into 39 W in the coil and 8.8 W in the iron core, totaling about 48 W. That's modest heat for a panel, but in a sealed cabinet with multiple drives and chokes, it adds up. Ensure adequate ventilation or forced airflow if the enclosure is small.