What this MCCB delivers and where it fits
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1180-6EF32-0DA0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for a continuous current Iu of 80 A, with a TM240 thermal-magnetic release tuned for line protection rather than motor or generator duty. Its interrupting capacity at 240 V reaches 220 kA, at 415 V 154 kA, and at 440 V 121 kA — numbers that put it squarely in the high-fault-current range for a 3VA frame. The 800 V rated insulation voltage (Ui) means it can be applied in 480 V and 600 V class distribution without derating the insulation path. This is a line-protection device — no phase failure detection, no communication module, no ground-fault monitoring. The overcurrent release is fixed TM240, so the thermal pickup and magnetic trip are factory-set; there is no interchangeable trip unit. The undervoltage release (UVR) is included as standard, which is a critical detail for safety circuits that need the breaker to drop on loss of control voltage. Deployment context: this MCCB lives in a panel — typically a main or feeder breaker in a distribution board, switchgear lineup, or industrial control cabinet. The IP40 front protection (IP40 on the front) means it is protected against tools and small wires entering the front face, but it is not sealed against washdown; keep it in a dry enclosure.
Current rating and thermal derating — the real-world capacity
The 80 A continuous rating holds flat from 40 °C through 50 °C — no derating in that band. At 55 °C the breaker carries 76.8 A, at 60 °C 75.2 A, at 65 °C 73.6 A, and at 70 °C 72 A. The operating range spans -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C. For a panel that runs hot (say 55 °C inside the enclosure), the usable current is 76.8 A, not the nameplate 80 A. That is the number to use in your load calculation.
Interrupting capacity — selectivity and SCCR headroom
The 220 kA at 240 V is the highest short-circuit current this breaker can safely interrupt at that voltage. At 415 V it drops to 154 kA, at 440 V to 121 kA, and at 690 V to 17 kA. For a 480 V / 277 V distribution system, the relevant figure is the 440 V rating (121 kA) — that is the SCCR the breaker contributes to the panel assembly. If your available fault current at the line side exceeds 121 kA at 440 V, you need a current-limiting upstream device or a higher-rated frame.
Physical fit and mounting
Dimensions: 130 mm high, 76.2 mm wide, 70 mm deep. The 76.2 mm width is a 3-pole frame — it occupies three 25.4 mm (1-inch) module positions on a DIN rail or panel-mount footprint. The depth of 70 mm is the body only; add clearance for the handle throw and cable bending radius behind the panel. No auxiliary contacts are fitted as standard (auxiliary contact version: without), and the integrated auxiliary trip order code is 3VA9608-0BB25 if you need to add one.