What this MCCB is and what it does
The Siemens 3VA1010-2ED42-0CH0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) sized for line protection in distribution panels. It carries a rated continuous current Iu of 100 A and is built as a 4-pole unit, meaning it switches all three phases plus the neutral conductor. The overcurrent release is a TM210 thermal-magnetic type, which provides both overload (thermal) and short-circuit (magnetic) protection without electronic adjustment. Breaking capacity varies with system voltage: 52.5 kA at 240 V, 32 kA at 415 V, 13.6 kA at 440 V, and 7.5 kA at 690 V. These figures tell you the maximum fault current the breaker can safely interrupt at each voltage level — critical for selectivity studies and SCCR compliance in the panel. The unit includes an undervoltage release (UVR) as the auxiliary release design, plus a built-in auxiliary contact block with 2 auxiliary switches and 1 trip alarm switch (HQ version). A trip indicator is present on the front. The integrated auxiliary trip accessory order code is 3VA9608-0BB24.
Thermal derating and operating range
Rated current holds at 100 A from 40 °C through 50 °C ambient. Above that, derating is gradual: 96 A at 55 °C, 94 A at 60 °C, 92 A at 65 °C, and 90 A at 70 °C. If your panel ambient runs hot — near the upper end of the operating range (−25 °C to 70 °C) — factor in that 10 % reduction at 70 °C to avoid nuisance tripping on a fully loaded circuit. Storage temperature span is −40 °C to 80 °C, which covers most warehouse and shipping conditions without special handling. The front face carries IP40 protection — suitable for dry indoor panel mounting, not for washdown or outdoor exposure.
Panel fit and integration notes
Dimensions are 101.6 mm wide, 130 mm high, and 70 mm deep. The 4-pole width (101.6 mm) matches the standard SENTRON 3VA1 4-pole footprint — a panel originally specified for a 3VA1010-2ED36-0AC0 will accept this unit without rewiring, provided the busbar and lug kit are compatible with the 100 A rating. Rated insulation voltage Ui is 800 V, which covers 690 V systems with margin. No communication function, no phase failure detection, and no ground fault monitoring are built in — this is a straightforward thermal-magnetic line protection breaker, not a power monitoring device. Latching endurance is rated at 15 000 operations. For applications requiring frequent switching (e.g., motor circuits cycled multiple times per shift), consider whether a contactor or motor-protective breaker with higher mechanical endurance is more appropriate.