SENTRON 3VA — what this breaker is and where it fits
The Siemens 3VA1132-6EF32-0JH0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for line protection in three-phase distribution panels. It carries a continuous current rating of 32 A (Iu) and uses a TM240 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release — the fixed thermal element and magnetic trip respond to overload and short-circuit conditions without an external control signal. The 3-pole design suits three-phase feeders, motor branch circuits, or main incomers in commercial and light industrial switchgear.
Breaking capacity — what the voltage-specific ratings mean for coordination
This MCCB delivers 220 kA at 240 V, 154 kA at 415 V, 121 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at 690 V. Those are the maximum fault currents it can safely interrupt at each voltage level — critical for selectivity studies. A 415 V panel with a prospective fault current of 100 kA sits well inside the 154 kA ceiling, so the breaker clears without upstream devices needing to operate. At 690 V the 17 kA rating is lower; if your installation has a high-fault 690 V bus, verify coordination upstream.
Thermal derating — the current curve matters for enclosed panels
The breaker holds 32 A continuously up to 50 °C ambient. Above that it derates: 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. If the MCCB is mounted in a sealed enclosure with heat buildup, use the 55 °C or 60 °C figure for your load calculation — not the 32 A nameplate. The operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C.
Auxiliary contacts and integrated trip — what ships on the breaker
Factory-fitted with 2 auxiliary switches plus 1 trip alarm switch (HQ configuration). A shunt trip (STL) is integrated as the auxiliary release — no separate undervoltage release is present. The integrated auxiliary trip order code is 3VA9688-0BL32. The front face carries a trip indicator and a voltage trigger; communication function and phase failure detection are not included. Protection class on the front is IP40 — suitable for panel interiors, not washdown environments.