What this 4-pole MCCB carries
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1110-5GD46-0AA0 is a 4-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 100 A continuous current (Iu) with a TM210 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release. Its interrupting capacity reaches 187 kA at 240 V AC, 121 kA at 415 V AC, and 76 kA at 440 V AC — figures that cover most industrial distribution panels where high fault current is a concern. The rated insulation voltage is 800 V, and it handles up to 600 V DC, making it usable on DC bus applications as well. The TM210 release is a fixed thermal-magnetic design — no interchangeable trip units, so the 100 A setting is locked. That simplifies ordering but means you size the breaker to the load, not the other way around. For a 4-pole breaker at this current level, the 100% N-conductor protection means the neutral pole is fully rated, not reduced — important for panels feeding nonlinear loads where neutral harmonics can run hot.
Thermal derating and panel fit
The breaker holds 100 A continuously up to 50 °C ambient. Above that it derates: 98 A at 55 °C, 96 A at 60 °C, 94 A at 65 °C, and 91 A at 70 °C. In a sealed enclosure with other heat sources, that 70 °C figure is the one to watch — it's a 9% drop from the nameplate. Maximum power loss is 25 W, which matters for thermal budgeting inside a crowded panel. Physical footprint: 101.6 mm wide, 130 mm tall, 70 mm deep. The 70 mm depth is shallow enough to clear most standard gland plates and backpanel wiring troughs. IP40 on the front means it's protected against tools and wires >1 mm — standard for a panel-mounted device, but not rated for washdown or outdoor exposure without an enclosure.
What the interrupting ratings mean in practice
The 187 kA at 240 V is the maximum short-circuit current the breaker can safely interrupt at that voltage — typical for a service entrance or large sub-feed where transformer impedance is low. At 415 V (common in European industrial systems) it's still 121 kA, and at 440 V it drops to 76 kA. At 500 V and 690 V it holds at 17 kA, which is still adequate for most motor branch circuits. The key takeaway: this breaker is sized for high-fault locations, not just routine branch protection.
Compliance and documentation
As a Siemens SENTRON product, the 3VA1110-5GD46-0AA0 carries CE marking for the European market and is designed to IEC 60947-2. UL and CSA listings are standard for the 3VA family, though specific file numbers should be confirmed against the nameplate. RoHS and REACH compliance documentation is available from Siemens' support portal. The reference code per DIN EN 81346-2 is Q, which maps to switching devices in a panel schematic.