What this MCCB is and what it does
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1150-5ED36-0AA0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for line protection — meaning it sits upstream of a distribution bus or a large load, not inside a motor starter. Its 50 A continuous current at 40 °C holds steady all the way to 50 °C, then derates to 45 A at 70 °C, which is useful if you are cramming this into a warm panel. The TM210 release is a fixed thermal-magnetic type — no adjustable trip curve, so what you see on the nameplate is what you get for coordination studies.
Interrupting capacity — where it earns its keep
The headline number here is 187 kA at 240 V, which drops to 121 kA at 415 V and 75.6 kA at 440 V. At 500 V and 690 V it still holds 17 kA. For a 50 A frame, those are high-interrupting figures — this breaker can sit close to a large transformer or a high-capacity bus without needing a current-limiting fuse upstream. The insulation voltage is rated 800 V, so it can be used on 480 V or 600 V class systems without a derating penalty on the insulation.
Lifecycle and sourcing reality
This part carries a lifecycle status of current, meaning Siemens still actively manufactures it. No last-time-buy notice, no successor code to track. For a BOM line that needs a 50 A MCCB with a TM210 release and a 3-pole footprint, this is the direct order code — not a cross-reference or a second-source. Sourced and quoted to order against an RFQ through independent distribution; availability and current pricing confirmed at quote time.
Physical fit and panel integration
The breaker measures 130 mm high, 76.2 mm wide, and 70 mm deep. That 3-inch width is standard for a 3-pole MCCB in the SENTRON 3VA frame — it drops into the same panel cutout as earlier 3VA1xxx units. The front face carries an IP40 rating, so it is fine for a typical IP54 or IP65 enclosure as long as the door protects it from direct water jets. No trip indicator, no undervoltage release, no communication module — this is a bare breaker, so plan for external auxiliaries if you need remote status.
Thermal performance across temperature
The continuous current rating holds 50 A from 40 °C through 50 °C. At 55 °C it drops to 49 A, at 60 °C to 48 A, at 65 °C to 46 A, and at 70 °C to 45 A. If your panel ambient runs above 50 °C, size the breaker one frame up or accept the derated capacity. Maximum power loss is 14.6 W at full load — negligible for thermal budgeting in most enclosures.