What it is and what it does
The Siemens SENTRON 5SL3610-7 is a 3P+N miniature circuit breaker with C-curve trip characteristic, rated 10 A at 400 V AC and a breaking capacity of 4.5 kA per both EN 60898 and IEC 60947-2. It occupies 4 modular width units (72 mm) on the DIN rail and is designed for residential and infrastructure branch-circuit protection. The C-curve means it trips at 5 to 10 times rated current — typical for mixed resistive and moderate inductive loads like lighting, socket outlets, and small motor circuits where some inrush is expected. The 4.5 kA breaking capacity is the maximum fault current it can safely interrupt at 400 V AC; for installations with higher prospective fault current, a current-limiting upstream device is needed.
Ratings and derating
At 30 °C ambient the breaker carries its full 10 A rating. Above that, it derates: 9.52 A at 40 °C, 9 A at 45 °C, and 8.74 A at 55 °C. If the panel runs hot — say inside a sealed enclosure near other heat sources — use the 40 °C column for sizing. The operating temperature range is -40 to 75 °C, storage wider, but the derating curve is the one that governs continuous load. The breaker is rated for overvoltage category III and pollution degree 2, which covers fixed installations inside buildings where transient overvoltages are controlled by upstream SPDs. Touch protection is built in, and the housing is halogen-free and silicon-free — relevant for environments sensitive to outgassing, such as clean rooms or certain industrial zones.
Mounting and integration
Snaps onto standard 35 mm DIN rail. Depth is 76 mm, installation depth 70 mm — check the gland plate clearance if the panel has a shallow back. Mounting position is any, so vertical or horizontal orientation is fine. The neutral pole is switched (3P+N), meaning the N conductor is opened and closed with the phases, which is required in some regional wiring rules for TN-S or TT systems. Sealable — the toggle can be locked in the OFF position with a padlock or seal wire, useful for lockout/tagout during maintenance. IP20 with connected conductors means it's protected against finger contact but not against moisture; keep it inside a dry enclosure.