Line protection breaker with 187 kA interrupting capacity
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1180-5EF36-0HH0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for line protection duty, with a rated continuous current Iu of 80 A and a TM240 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release. The interrupting capacity hits 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V, and 75.6 kA at 440 V — that is high enough for most main-service or feeder positions in a distribution panel where fault current is substantial. At 690 V it still clears 17 kA, so it can sit on the secondary side of a step-down transformer without coordination worries. The TM240 release is a thermal-magnetic design — thermal element handles overloads, magnetic element handles short-circuits. No electronic trip unit, no communication module, no ground-fault monitoring. That keeps the breaker simple and field-reliable: if you need remote tripping, the integrated shunt trip (STL) release is wired for it; the auxiliary contact block provides 2 auxiliary switches plus 1 trip alarm switch (HQ). The separate auxiliary trip order code is 3VA9688-0BL30. Current rating holds at 80 A from 40 °C through 50 °C, then derates gradually to 72 A at 70 °C. That means in a warm panel — say 55 °C internal — you still get 76.8 A continuous, no need to oversize the frame. The 70 mm depth and 76.2 mm width fit the standard SENTRON 3VA panel footprint; the IP40 front protection keeps dust out of the mechanism in a clean indoor enclosure.
Sourcing and lifecycle status
Pricing and availability are confirmed at quote time against an RFQ. Because it is a current-production part, lead times are generally consistent with Siemens' distribution channel — not a surplus/broker scavenge. If you need compliance documentation, Siemens provides the standard CE, UL, and IEC declarations for the 3VA family; the part carries the DIN EN 81346-2 reference code Q for function designation in panel schematics.
Panel integration and wiring
The 3VA1180-5EF36-0HH0 mounts on a DIN rail or direct panel-mount via the standard SENTRON 3VA base. At 130 mm height, 76.2 mm width, and 70 mm depth, it occupies the same cutout as other 3VA 3-pole frames — so swapping from a 3VA1110-5EE32-0JA0 or 3VA1112-5EF32-0CA0 is a mechanical drop-in, no panel rework. The shunt trip (STL) release is factory-installed; wire it to a remote pushbutton or safety relay for emergency off. The auxiliary contact block (2 aux + 1 alarm) is also integrated, so you get status feedback without an add-on module. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range extends from -40 °C to 80 °C. That covers most indoor industrial environments, including unheated warehouses. The IP40 front rating means the breaker face is protected against solid objects over 1 mm — fine for a clean panel, but not for washdown areas. If the panel is in a dusty or wet location, you will need an enclosure door with a higher IP rating.