Overview
The Furnas 48EC38AA6 is a 3-pole bi-metal thermal overload relay rated for 600VAC maximum, manufactured by Siemens/Furnas Electric. This ambient-compensated relay is designed for use in motor starters, contactors, and industrial control panels to provide Class 16 thermal overload protection. The bi-metal design responds to sustained overcurrent conditions, protecting motors and connected equipment from thermal damage.
Key Features
- 3-pole configuration for three-phase motor protection
- 600VAC rated maximum voltage
- Bi-metal thermal element with automatic reset capability
- Ambient temperature compensation for stable performance across operating conditions
- Class 16 overload protection rating
- Proven design in legacy and retrofit applications
Technical Specifications
The relay operates on the bi-metal thermal principle, responding proportionally to current overloads. The ambient compensation feature adjusts the tripping characteristic based on surrounding temperature, preventing nuisance trips in hot environments and ensuring protection in cooler areas. This relay is typically used with matching heater elements selected based on motor full-load current.
Typical Applications
- Three-phase motor protection in industrial starters
- Retrofit replacements in existing control systems
- OEM equipment manufacturing and assembly lines
- Food processing, mining, and heavy industrial equipment
- HVAC and mechanical drive applications
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- Furnas/Siemens motor starters and contactors (Class 8536, 8538 series)
- Standard 3-pole overload relay sockets and mounting frames
- Motor protection circuits requiring Class 16 thermal overload rating
- 600VAC industrial control systems
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
Verify compatibility with your system integrator before ordering. The 48EC38AA6 may be cross-compatible with other Furnas 48E-series overload relays of matching pole count and voltage rating, but specific model substitutions should be confirmed against application requirements and heater element matching.
Works With
- Furnas/Siemens NEMA motor starters and soft starters
- Direct-on-line (DOL) motor control circuits
- Thermal overload heater element sizing charts and selection tools
- Standard three-phase motor protection applications 200–600VAC
