Description
ABB ZM-40-PKZ2
ZM‑40‑PKZ2 is a dedicated thermal-magnetic trip block for PKZ2 series motor protection circuit breakers originally manufactured by Moeller (now part of ABB), commonly referred to as a trip insert. It provides overload, short-circuit and phase-loss protection for three-phase motors with a rated current up to 40A, widely used in industrial power distribution and motor control applications.
1. Basic Information
Model: ZM‑40‑PKZ2
Brand: ABB (ex Moeller)Type: Pluggable & replaceable 3-phase thermal-magnetic trip moduleMatching device: PKZ2 series motor protection circuit breakers (e.g. PKZ2‑40)Rated current range: 0.6~40A (adjustable via dial setting)Core functions: Thermal overload protection, magnetic short-circuit protection, phase-failure sensitive protectionMounting: Snap-on installation onto PKZ2 base body, tool-free assembly & disassemblyWeight: Approx. 230g2. Core Technical Specifications
2.1 Protection Characteristics
2.2 Electrical Ratings
Rated insulation voltage Ui: 690V AC
Rated impulse withstand voltage Uimp: 6000V
Operating frequency: 50/60Hz
Short-circuit breaking capacity: 42kA @600V AC; 65kA @480V AC (with max. 500A upstream backup protection)
2.3 Environmental & Mechanical Data
3. Structure & Operating Principle
- Overload operation: Excessive load current → bimetallic strip thermally deflects → releases mechanical latch → circuit breaker trips to cut off power supply
- Short-circuit / locked-rotor operation: Fault short-circuit current energizes magnetic coil → instantaneous latch release → rapid millisecond-class tripping
- Phase-loss detection: Unbalanced three-phase current creates enlarged temperature differential across thermal elements → accelerated tripping
- Status indication: Front viewing window for trip indication enabling quick on-site fault inspection and maintenance

4. Key Features
- All-in-one triple protection: Combines overload, short-circuit and phase-loss protection in one single module for full motor safeguarding
- High breaking capacity: Up to 65kA at 480V, eliminates need for upstream fuses to save installation cost and cabinet space
- Field-replaceable plug-in design: Direct swap-out upon failure without disconnecting main power circuit to minimize downtime
- Wide current coverage: 0.6~40A rating suits 0.12~30kW @400V three-phase motors
- Heavy-duty industrial durability: Vibration-proof, wide ambient temperature tolerance and high insulation, ideal for continuous-duty processes in metallurgy, chemical processing, water treatment, pumps and fan systems
5. Typical Applications
- Standalone protection & control for industrial 0.12~30kW three-phase asynchronous motors
- Motor feeder circuits inside control cabinets / Motor Control Centers (MCC)
- Heavy-duty continuous-running equipment including pumps, fans, compressors and conveyors
- Drop-in replacement for conventional "circuit breaker + thermal overload relay" setups to simplify wiring layout and boost system reliability
6. Selection & Installation Guidelines
- Unit matching: Must be paired with PKZ2 series base breakers (e.g. PKZ2‑40)
- Current setting: Calibrate dial at 1.0~1.15 × motor rated current to prevent nuisance tripping or insufficient protection
- Mounting: Snap firmly into PKZ2 housing until audible click; optional accessories available including auxiliary contact blocks and undervoltage trip units
- Cabling: Main circuit copper conductors AWG14~AWG6, tightening torque: 1.8N·m; only 75℃ rated copper cable permitted
7. Peer Model Comparison (Same Product Series)
