What this MCCB is and what it does
The Siemens 3VA1032-3ED36-0KA0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 32 A continuous current, built for line protection in distribution panels. Its TM210 thermal-magnetic release handles overloads and short circuits without an external trip unit. The 75.6 kA breaking capacity at 240 V AC means it can interrupt a fault up to that level without the arc re-striking — critical for high-fault installations like transformer secondaries or large motor control centers. At 415 V the interrupting rating drops to 52.5 kA, and at 690 V to 7.5 kA, so the voltage-dependent SCCR must be matched to the point of application.
Thermal derating and temperature range
The 32 A rating holds steady from 40 °C up to 50 °C, then begins a gradual derating: 30.72 A at 55 °C, 30.08 A at 60 °C, 29.44 A at 65 °C, and 28.8 A at 70 °C. This matters when the breaker lives in a crowded enclosure next to other heat sources — the effective continuous current is the derated value at the panel's internal ambient, not the nameplate 32 A. Operating range is -25 °C to 70 °C, storage from -40 °C to 80 °C.
Shunt trip and auxiliary options
This variant includes a shunt trip (STL) for remote tripping — useful for emergency-stop circuits or supervisory control. The auxiliary trip module order code is 3VA9688-0BL33. There is no undervoltage release, no auxiliary contact, no communication function, and no ground-fault monitoring on this build. The front face carries IP40 protection, meaning tools or fingers won't easily contact live parts, but it is not sealed against moisture.
Dimensions and panel fit
At 70 mm deep, 76.2 mm wide, and 130 mm tall, this 3-pole MCCB occupies a standard SENTRON footprint. It mounts via screw or busbar connection in a distribution board. The width of 76.2 mm (3 inches) is the same as other 3VA10xx frame sizes, so swapping between a 3VA1020 and this 3VA1032 does not require re-drilling the mounting plate — the busbar centers and DIN-rail adapter positions are identical across the frame.