What the ratings mean for fit
The 3VA1132-6ED46-0AA0 is a Siemens SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated 32 A continuous at 40 °C ambient, with a TM210 thermal-magnetic release — meaning the thermal pickup is fixed and the magnetic trip is adjustable, sized for line protection in distribution panels. The 220 kA breaking capacity at 240 V AC is the headline figure: it can safely interrupt a fault of that magnitude without self-destructing or cascading upstream, which matters when the breaker sits close to a high-capacity transformer or busway. Four poles let it switch three-phase plus neutral, common in North American 120/208 V or European 230/400 V distribution where the neutral needs overcurrent protection. The rated insulation voltage of 800 V gives headroom for 480/600 V systems without derating the internal clearances.
Thermal derating and ambient limits
The breaker holds its full 32 A rating from 40 °C up to 50 °C, then drops only 1 A per 5 °C step — 31 A at 55 °C, 30 A at 70 °C. That's a shallow derating curve, so a panel running warm (say 50 °C) still gets the full 32 A without needing to oversize. Operating range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage from -40 °C to 80 °C. IP40 on the front means it's protected against tools and wires >1 mm, but not against water ingress — mount it inside a panel or enclosure, not in a washdown zone. The 70 mm depth and 101.6 mm width fit standard 4-pole MCCB footprints; check your busbar or cable lug spacing before committing.
Lifecycle and sourcing posture
The lifecycle stage is marked current — meaning Siemens still builds this exact order code; no NRND or EOL notice on record. For a BOM freeze or a line-down spare, that's the cleanest signal: you're not buying into a phase-out. Sourced and quoted to order against an RFQ through independent distribution; availability and current pricing confirmed at quote time.
Breaking capacity across voltages
The interrupting rating drops as voltage rises: 220 kA at 240 V, 154 kA at 415 V, 121 kA at 440 V, then a steep cliff to 17 kA at 500 V and 690 V. If your fault current at 480 V is above 17 kA, this breaker won't clear it safely — you'd need a higher-rated frame. Most commercial 480 V panels have available fault currents under 17 kA, but verify your transformer size and impedance before specifying.