MCCB with UVR for line protection
The Siemens 3VA1132-6EF32-0BA0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated 32 A continuous at 40 °C through 50 °C, with a slight thermal derating to 30 A at 70 °C. Three-pole construction, designed for line protection in distribution panels. The TM240 overcurrent release provides fixed thermal-magnetic protection — thermal trip for overloads, magnetic instantaneous trip for short-circuits. An integrated undervoltage release (UVR) is built in, so the breaker trips when control voltage drops below the dropout threshold, which is standard for emergency-stop or safety-shutdown circuits that need a loss-of-voltage fail-safe.
Breaking capacity across voltage levels
Breaking capacity is the key selection parameter for an MCCB — it determines whether the breaker can safely clear a fault without welding contacts or rupturing. At 240 V this unit interrupts 220 kA, which covers high-fault-current points like transformer secondaries or large motor control centers. At 415 V it's 154 kA, at 440 V it's 121 kA, and at 500 V and 690 V it holds 17 kA. That steep drop above 500 V means the breaker is best applied on 240 V to 480 V systems where the available fault current is high; at 690 V the 17 kA rating still suits most industrial distribution but needs coordination with upstream fuses or breakers if the SCCR exceeds that.
Panel fit and mounting
Width 76.2 mm (3 in), depth 70 mm (2.76 in), height 130 mm (5.12 in). Standard DIN-rail or screw-mount base — the SENTRON 3VA1 family uses a common footprint, so a panel laid out for a 3VA1 breaker accepts this unit without re-drilling. The 70 mm depth leaves clearance behind the gland plate for wiring; spring-cage or screw terminals accept up to 35 mm² conductors. Insulation voltage rated 800 V, so the internal clearances are adequate for 690 V line-to-line systems.
Power loss and thermal management
Maximum power loss is 13.1 W at rated current. In a sealed enclosure with multiple breakers side-by-side, that heat adds up — the thermal derating curve above 50 °C (32 A down to 30 A at 70 °C) should be factored into the panel cooling calculation. No communication function or ground-fault monitoring on this variant; it's a straight line-protection MCCB with undervoltage release.