SENTRON 3VA1 MCCB — 80 A, TM120M, 220 kA at 240 V
The Siemens 3VA1180-6MH36-0AA0 is a SENTRON 3VA1 molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed specifically for starter protection — meaning it coordinates with a contactor and overload relay to protect motor branch circuits under short-circuit conditions, not just general distribution. It carries 80 A at 40 °C ambient, derating to 74 A at 70 °C, so the continuous current rating holds across typical panel temperatures without a frame size jump. Breaking capacity is the headline figure here: 220 kA at 240 V, 154 kA at 415 V, 121 kA at 440 V, and still 7.5 kA at 500 V and 690 V. That 220 kA at 240 V is exceptionally high for a 3-pole 80 A frame — it handles fault currents at the transformer secondary or large motor bank without cascading to an upstream breaker. The TM120M thermal-magnetic release provides fixed thermal and magnetic trip settings, no adjustment required.
Thermal derating and panel fit
Rated current holds flat at 80 A from 40 °C through 50 °C, then drops to 78 A at 55 °C, 77 A at 60 °C, 75 A at 65 °C, and 74 A at 70 °C. That means in a sealed panel running at 55 °C, you still get 78 A continuous — no need to oversize the frame for a warm enclosure. The 70 mm depth and 76.2 mm width fit standard MCCB panel cutouts; height is 130 mm. Front IP40 protects against tool entry during commissioning. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V, and the operating temperature range spans -25 °C to 70 °C, with storage from -40 °C to 80 °C. Maximum power loss is 19.2 W — relevant for thermal budgeting inside a multi-breaker panel.