The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1120-6EF36-0AA0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for line protection, carrying a continuous current of 20 A at 40 °C that holds flat through to 55 °C before a 1 A derate at the upper end. Breaking capacity stands at 220 kA at 240 V, 154 kA at 415 V, and 121 kA at 440 V, then drops to 17 kA at 500 V and 690 V — the high interrupt rating at the lower voltages makes this part suited for high-fault-capacity panelboards and transformer secondaries where the available fault current exceeds standard 65 kA or 100 kA MCCBs.
Ratings and what they mean for selection
The TM240 overcurrent release is a thermal-magnetic type: the thermal element handles overloads up to the 20 A frame rating, while the magnetic trip responds to short-circuit currents. The 800 V rated insulation voltage gives headroom above the 690 V breaking-capacity test voltage — the part is electrically rated for the 690 V class even though the interrupt rating at that voltage is limited to 17 kA. The IP40 front protection means the breaker face is protected against tools and small wires over 1 mm but is not sealed against moisture; install it inside an enclosure rated for the washdown environment, not exposed on the panel door.
Integration into the panel
The 3VA1120-6EF36-0AA0 occupies a 76.2 mm width, 130 mm height, and 70 mm depth — a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint that fits most DIN-rail or panel-mount bases in the SENTRON family. No undervoltage release or communication function is built in, so any shunt trip or auxiliary contact must be added as a separate accessory. The 12 W maximum power loss is moderate for a 20 A frame; account for it in the enclosure thermal calculation if the panel is densely populated.