What this 3VA1180-3EF36-0KC0 is and what it does
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1180-3EF36-0KC0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 80 A continuous current at 40 °C, configured for line protection. It carries a TM240 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release, meaning the thermal element is fixed at 80 A and the magnetic trip is set at 240 A — a standard combination for feeder or distribution circuits where you want overload protection plus a moderate short-circuit pickup. The interrupting ratings are 75.6 kA at 240 V, 52.5 kA at 415 V, 32 kA at 440 V, and 10.5 kA at 690 V, which covers most industrial panel fault-current requirements without needing a current-limiting upstream device.
What the ratings mean for fit
The 80 A rating holds flat from 40 °C to 50 °C, then derates to 76.8 A at 55 °C, 75.2 A at 60 °C, 73.6 A at 65 °C, and 72 A at 70 °C. If your panel ambient runs above 50 °C, you lose about 10% of the continuous rating — factor that into your load calculation. The 800 V rated insulation voltage (Ui) means it's suitable for 480 V and 600 V class systems with margin. The 15,000 mechanical endurance cycles are typical for a distribution breaker; it's not a switching-duty device for frequent motor starts.
Integration and mounting
The 3VA1180-3EF36-0KC0 measures 76.2 mm wide, 130 mm high, and 70 mm deep — a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint that fits most DIN-rail or screw-mount panel layouts. It comes with a shunt trip (STL) for remote tripping and two auxiliary switches (HQ) for status feedback to a PLC or annunciator. The auxiliary trip accessory order code is 3VA9688-0BL33. Front protection is IP40, so it's fine for a clean indoor panel but not for washdown environments.