Description
Product Introduction
The protection requirement in an industrial motor circuit is not always the same as that of a general feeder. SELA36AI0030 is a three-pole magnetic-only breaker from the GE Spectra RMS SE150 family, designed around instantaneous short-circuit protection rather than conventional long-time overload protection. ABB’s catalog identifies the unit as an E-FRAME 3P 600V 30A MAG-BREAK, with an adjustable instantaneous function and interchangeable trip arrangement.
The GE SELA36AI0030 is particularly relevant in older GE Spectra motor-control and electrical-distribution assemblies where the breaker frame and plug-in arrangement need to remain compatible with the existing equipment. The current ABB catalog retains the exact SELA36AI0030 catalog number, while engineering records also identify it as a 30 A SE-frame breaker used within GE low-voltage MCC equipment.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | SELA36AI0030 |
| Manufacturer / Brand | GE / ABB Industrial Solutions |
| Product Family | Spectra RMS |
| Product Series | SE Series |
| Frame | SE150 |
| Product Type | Molded-case circuit breaker / motor circuit protector |
| Poles | 3 |
| Rated Current | 30 A |
| Maximum System Voltage | 600 VAC |
| Trip Function | Magnetic only |
| Long-Time Trip | No |
| Instantaneous Trip | Adjustable |
| Trip Style | Interchangeable |
| 120 VAC Interrupting Rating | 100 kAIC |
| 120/240 VAC Interrupting Rating | 100 kAIC |
| 240 VAC Interrupting Rating | 100 kAIC |
| 277 VAC Interrupting Rating | 65 kAIC |
| 480 VAC Interrupting Rating | 65 kAIC |
| 600 VAC Interrupting Rating | 25 kAIC |
| Reverse Feed | Suitable |
| Current Metering | No |
| Protective Relay | No |
| Lug Type | TCAL18 |
| UPC | 783164227086 |
ABB’s catalog lists the full voltage-dependent interrupting ratings and identifies the SELA36AI0030 as an SE150-frame, three-pole, magnetic-only breaker.
Application Scenarios & Pain Points
A magnetic-only motor circuit protector needs to be evaluated differently from a thermal-magnetic branch breaker. Its job is primarily associated with short-circuit protection and coordination with the motor starter/overload arrangement.
- Motor control centers: The SELA36AI0030 has been documented as a 30 A SE-frame breaker installed in GE low-voltage MCC equipment.
- Motor branch protection: Suitable for applications where overload protection is provided separately by the motor starter or overload relay.
- Spectra MCC maintenance: Useful when maintaining existing SE150-frame Spectra equipment and preserving the established breaker mounting arrangement.
- Industrial electrical distribution: Applicable where the system voltage and available fault current fall within the breaker’s specified interrupting capability.
Field note: A 30 A magnetic-only breaker should not be selected simply because the connected motor is approximately 30 A. Motor full-load current, locked-rotor current, starter/overload settings, conductor ampacity, available short-circuit current, and coordination all have to be checked.
SELA36AI0030
Related Products
- GE SELA36AI0007 — Related SE-frame catalog number with a lower current configuration.
- GE SGLA36AI0400 — Larger Spectra frame and 400 A configuration; not a direct substitute.
- GE SKPA36AT1200 — Higher-current Spectra family breaker for substantially larger distribution applications.
- ABB Spectra RMS SE150 — Same SE150 frame family supporting interchangeable rating configurations.
- ABB Spectra RMS SF250 — Larger Spectra frame family for higher-current applications.
- ABB Spectra RMS SG600 — Higher-frame-size Spectra RMS equipment.
- ABB Spectra RMS SK1200 — Large-frame Spectra RMS circuit protection equipment.
The , SF250, SG600, and SK1200 families form part of the Spectra RMS range. The correct frame and rating plug must match the existing equipment; a higher-current Spectra unit is not automatically a suitable replacement.
Engineer’s Guide — Field Pitfalls to Avoid
1. Do not confuse magnetic-only protection with overload protection
The has no long-time trip function. ABB identifies its trip function as magnetic only.
Avoidance: Confirm that the motor circuit has the required separate overload protection before replacing an existing device with this breaker.
2. Check the available fault current
The interrupting rating changes with system voltage: ABB specifies 65 kAIC at 480 VAC and 25 kAIC at 600 VAC.
Avoidance: Compare the installation’s available short-circuit current with the breaker rating at the actual system voltage. Do not use the 480 V rating for a 600 V installation.
3. Verify the frame and physical mounting
A breaker with the same 30 A rating may belong to another Spectra frame or mounting arrangement.
Avoidance: Match the existing frame, mounting configuration, terminals, and rating-plug arrangement before approving a replacement.
4. Check the instantaneous setting
The instantaneous function is adjustable. That setting affects how the breaker responds to high-current faults and motor starting conditions.
Avoidance: Record the existing setting before replacement and review it against the motor’s starting current and the protection-coordination study.
5. Verify the brand marking during procurement
GE Industrial Solutions became part of ABB, so legacy equipment and newer catalog records may show GE or ABB branding. Current ABB catalog data still identifies as the catalog number.
Avoidance: Use the as the primary identification rather than rejecting a unit solely because the front label carries GE or ABB branding.
FAQ
What is GE ?
is a Spectra RMS -frame, three-pole, 30 A molded-case magnetic circuit breaker / motor circuit protector. The maximum system voltage is 600 VAC.
Is a 30 amp breaker?
Yes. The catalog number specifies the 30 A configuration, although the family supports interchangeable ratings including 15 A, 20 A, 25 A, and 30 A.
Is rated for 600 VAC?
Yes. ABB lists 600 VAC as the maximum system voltage, with a 25 kAIC interrupting rating at 600 VAC. At 480 VAC, the listed interrupting rating is 65 kAIC.
Does provide thermal overload protection?
No. This is a magnetic-only breaker with no long-time trip function. In a motor circuit, separate overload protection may therefore be required.
Can be used for a motor circuit?
It can be used as a motor circuit protector where the complete motor protection scheme is engineered appropriately. The breaker itself should not be treated as the complete motor overload-protection system.
Is suitable for reverse feed?
Yes. ABB’s catalog identifies the device as suitable for reverse feed.
What should I verify before purchasing a replacement ?
Verify the frame, three-pole configuration, 30 A rating, system voltage, interrupting requirement, instantaneous-trip setting, physical mounting, terminal/lug arrangement, and the separate overload-protection scheme. For an existing GE/ABB MCC, compare the actual breaker and bucket configuration rather than relying solely on the catalog number.
Is a PLC or automation module?
No. It is an electrical circuit-protection device, not a PLC, DCS, I/O, or control-system module. Its industrial automation relevance comes from its use in motor-control centers and electrical distribution supporting industrial equipment.
