What this MCCB is and what it does
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1150-6EF36-0BA0 is a molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed for line protection in distribution panels and industrial switchgear. It carries a rated current of 50 A across ambient temperatures up to 50 °C (derated to 45 A at 70 °C), making it a solid choice for feeder circuits or backup protection on motor branch circuits where the load current stays under that ceiling. The 3-pole construction with a TM240 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release handles both overload and short-circuit protection in a single unit. Breaking capacity reaches 220 kA at 240 V AC, 154 kA at 415 V, and 121 kA at 440 V — figures that cover most industrial fault-current scenarios without needing a current-limiting upstream device. An undervoltage release (UVR) is built in, so the breaker trips automatically if supply voltage drops below a set threshold — useful for preventing motor re-acceleration after a dip or for coordinated load shedding.
Where it fits — panel and footprint
The MCCB measures 130 mm high, 76.2 mm wide, and 70 mm deep — a standard SENTRON 3VA footprint that drops into existing panel layouts without re-drilling. Mounts on a DIN rail or directly to a backplate via the integrated fixing points. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V. Power loss at full load is 17.1 W.
What the ratings mean for your decision
The 220 kA breaking capacity at 240 V is the headline number, but the more relevant figure for a 480 V panel is the 154 kA at 415 V (the closest standard voltage in the evidence). That rating tells you the breaker can interrupt a fault up to 154 kA without rupturing — enough for most industrial service-entrance or sub-distribution applications. At 690 V it still holds 17 kA, so it also works in 600 V class systems. The TM240 thermal-magnetic release has a thermal element fixed at 50 A and magnetic pickup set to 240 A. No ground-fault monitoring or communication function is included on this variant. If you need those, look at the 3VA2 series with electronic releases or the 3VA1 with GFI module.