What it is and what it does
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1140-5EE36-0AB0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) with a TM220 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release, rated for a continuous current of 16 A. It's built for line protection in distribution panels, sized at a 3-inch width and 130 mm height, with an IP40 front protection rating.
Interrupting capacity — what the numbers mean for your panel
This MCCB delivers 220 kA interrupting capacity at 240 VAC, 154 kA at 415 VAC, and 121 kA at 440 VAC. At 500 V and 690 V it holds at 17 kA. These are the fault currents the breaker can safely clear without welding contacts or rupturing the case — critical for selectivity studies and SCCR compliance downstream. The 220 kA figure at 240 V means it handles high-fault utility feeds or transformer secondaries; the drop to 17 kA at 690 V reflects the physics of arc extinction at higher voltage. For a 16 A frame, these are high-interrupt ratings, suited for main or tie breaker positions where fault current is substantial.
Thermal derating and continuous current
Rated continuous current Iu is 16 A, and the breaker holds that rating from 40 °C up to 55 °C ambient. At 60 °C it derates to 15 A, and holds at 15 A through 70 °C. The rated insulation voltage Ui is 800 V. For a panel builder, this means the breaker can be packed into a warm enclosure — say near a transformer or drive — without losing ampacity until you cross 55 °C. The TM220 release provides thermal-magnetic trip: thermal for overload, magnetic for short-circuit.
Auxiliaries and integration
This version ships with 2 auxiliary switches (HP type) for remote status indication — useful for PLC or SCADA feedback on breaker position. It has no undervoltage release, no voltage trigger, no ground-fault monitoring, and no communication function. A motor drive is available as an optional extension. The operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C.