What this MCCB delivers on the line side
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1180-5EF32-0KC0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated 80 A at 40 °C, with a maximum breaking capacity of 187 kA at 240 V AC. That 187 kA figure at 240 V tells you this breaker handles high-fault scenarios — think transformer secondaries or large motor control centers where available fault current is substantial. The 80 A continuous rating holds steady through 50 °C (still 80 A), then derates gradually to 74 A at 70 °C, so panel ambient temperature matters for sizing. Insulation voltage is rated 800 V, giving headroom for 480 V and 600 V class systems. This variant ships with a shunt trip release (STL) and two HQ auxiliary switches, plus the basic switch assembly 3VA11805EF320AA0. The shunt trip lets you remotely trip the breaker via a control signal — useful for emergency-stop circuits or interlocking with upstream disconnects. The two HQ aux switches provide status feedback (open/closed/tripped) to a PLC or indication panel. No undervoltage release, no ground-fault monitoring, no communication module on this build; it's a straightforward line-protection MCCB with remote trip capability.
Mounting and panel fit
Dimensions: 70 mm deep, 76.2 mm wide, 130 mm tall. The 76.2 mm width (3 inches) is the standard 3-pole MCCB footprint for SENTRON 3VA1 frames — fits existing DIN-rail or panel-mount cutouts without re-drilling. Depth of 70 mm leaves room for rear-access wiring or busbar connections in a typical 200 mm deep enclosure. Power loss at rated load is 19.2 W maximum; factor that into enclosure thermal calculations if the panel is densely packed.
Breaking capacity across voltages
Breaking capacity varies by system voltage: 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at 500 V or 690 V. The steep drop above 440 V means you need to verify the available fault current at your specific line voltage — at 480 V the 75.6 kA figure at 440 V is the closest published value, but the 500 V rating (17 kA) governs if your system is 480/277 V. For 600 V class systems, the 690 V rating (17 kA) applies. Always coordinate with upstream protective devices to ensure selectivity.