What it is and what it does
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1132-6EF36-0HC0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 32 A continuous current at 40 °C, designed for line protection in distribution panels. Its 220 kA breaking capacity at 240 V means it can safely interrupt very high fault currents without upstream cascading — a key spec for high-available-fault installations like industrial main feeders or transformer secondaries. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V, so it can be used in 480 V / 600 V systems with adequate margin. The 70 mm depth and 76.2 mm width fit standard panelboard mounting footprints — no special adapters needed for a typical MCCB bucket.
Sourcing and lifecycle
The breaker ships with a factory-installed shunt trip release (STL) and two auxiliary switches HQ, so it arrives ready for remote tripping and status feedback without additional wiring modifications.
Integration and panel fit
At 70 mm deep, 76.2 mm wide, and 130 mm tall, this MCCB occupies a standard 3-pole molded-case footprint. Panel builders can plan for the same gland-plate cutout and DIN-rail or screw-mount pattern as other SENTRON 3VA frame breakers. Maximum power loss is 10.6 W — negligible for thermal budgeting in a ventilated enclosure, but worth noting if the breaker is in a sealed, high-density panel near sensitive electronics.
Thermal derating and ambient range
Rated current holds at 32 A from 40 °C up to 50 °C, then drops to 31 A at 55 °C and 60 °C, and 30 A at 65 °C and 70 °C. In a hot panel (above 50 °C ambient), the continuous load must be reduced accordingly — the breaker itself can operate up to 70 °C ambient. Storage temperature range is -40 °C to 80 °C; operating range is -25 °C to 70 °C. The gap between storage and operating limits means the breaker can be warehoused in unconditioned space but must be within the narrower operating band when energized.