Arc-fault and residual-current protection in one 18 mm slot
The Siemens 5SV6316-7KK32 is a SENTRON AFDD-RCBO combination — a single compact unit that combines arc-fault detection (AFDD) with residual-current and overcurrent protection (RCBO) in a 1-pole+N, 2-pole package. It occupies just 1 modular width (18 mm) on a DIN rail, making it a space-efficient choice for final subcircuits in residential and light commercial distribution boards where both arc-fault and RCD protection are required. Rated at 230 V AC, 50 Hz only, with a C-curve tripping characteristic and a 32 A current rating, it breaks fault currents up to 6 kA per EN 60898-1 and IEC 60947-2. The C-curve means it trips between 5× and 10× In — suited to circuits with moderate inrush, like lighting banks or small motor loads, where a B-curve would nuisance-trip on startup.
What the ratings mean for panel fit
At 68.5 mm deep and 70 mm installation depth, this unit fits standard DIN-rail enclosures with typical 70–80 mm back-box depth. The 90 mm height and 18 mm width (1 MW) mean it occupies one position in a multi-row consumer unit or distribution board — no oversize cutout needed. Mounting position is any, and the supply cord position is any, so it installs without orientation restrictions — useful when panel layout forces a rotated or inverted fit. The IP20 rating with connected protective device and conductors is standard for enclosed distribution boards; it is not rated for wet or outdoor exposure without an IP-rated enclosure. Pollution degree 2 and overvoltage category III are the usual residential and light commercial environment ratings — non-conductive pollution with occasional condensation, and equipment permanently connected to the mains supply. The operating temperature range of -40 °C to 75 °C covers unheated utility rooms and outdoor-adjacent enclosures.
Lifecycle and sourcing reality
It is halogen-free and silicon-free, which matters for applications with strict material compliance requirements (e.g., rail, marine, or high-reliability industrial panels where outgassing can affect contacts or optics). The rated mechanical service life is 10 000 operating cycles typical — adequate for a protection device that operates infrequently; this is not a switching contactor for frequent load cycling.
Panel integration and wiring notes
The unit accepts supplementary devices (e.g., auxiliary contacts, shunt trips, or alarm switches) via the product extension interface — useful for remote status monitoring or BMS integration. Power loss is 2.85 W per pole at rated current in hot operating state; factor this into enclosure thermal calculations if multiple units are ganged. The test button requires a minimum 195 V to function correctly — verify supply voltage at the panel if using this feature during commissioning. The switching function is not short-time delayed (instantaneous), so it will trip immediately on fault without intentional delay. Ambient temperature with 95% relative humidity is rated at 55 °C — suitable for humid environments like boiler rooms or covered outdoor enclosures, provided the IP20 rating is respected within the enclosure.