What the ratings mean for fit
The Siemens 3VA1140-5EF32-0AB0 is a 3VA1 IEC frame 160 molded-case circuit breaker with a 55 kA ultimate breaking capacity at 415 V AC — that is the class M rating, meaning it can safely interrupt fault currents up to 55 kA without upstream damage, a figure that governs the SCCR of the entire panel it lives in. The 40 A rated current (In) and thermal-magnetic TM240 trip unit with adjustable overload protection (Ir = 28...40 A) and short-circuit pickup (Ii = 5...10 x In) let you dial in the protection curve to match a specific load, not just a generic breaker rating.
Deployment context
This is a panel-mount MCCB for IEC distribution boards and motor control centers. The nut keeper kit and two auxiliary switches (HP) are factory-fitted, so the breaker arrives ready for status feedback to a PLC or remote I/O — no separate switch ordering or field assembly. The 3-pole construction suits three-phase loads: pumps, conveyors, compressors, or feeder circuits up to 40 A.