What the ratings mean for fit
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1220-5MH32-0AE0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 200 A continuous current at 40 °C, with a TM120M thermal-magnetic release — the thermal element handles overloads, the magnetic element handles short-circuits. The 187 kA interrupting rating at 240 V and 121 kA at 415 V mean it can safely clear high-fault currents in industrial distribution without upstream fuses needing to open first. That SCCR headroom is what makes it a fit for main or feeder duty in a panel with a large transformer behind it. The 'starter protection' product version means the TM120M release curve is coordinated for motor-starting inrush — it rides through the 6–8× FLA spike without nuisance tripping, then clears a locked-rotor or bolted fault. The 75 W operating power at AC-3 / 400 V confirms it is sized for a motor load, not just resistive heating. No undervoltage release, no shunt trip, no communication module, no ground-fault monitoring — this is a plain-vanilla thermal-magnetic MCCB. If your BOM calls for remote trip or earth-leakage, you need a different variant in the 3VA family.
Thermal derating and panel integration
The 200 A rating holds flat from 40 °C through 50 °C, then derates to 192 A at 55 °C, 188 A at 60 °C, 184 A at 65 °C, and 180 A at 70 °C (–). In a sealed, non-ventilated enclosure at 50 °C ambient, you still get the full 200 A; above that, the continuous current drops. The 70 mm depth, 105 mm width, and 158 mm height (–) fit a standard MCCB slot in a SENTRON distribution panel or a generic DIN-rail enclosure with the appropriate mounting base. IP40 on the front means protection against tools and wires >1 mm — fine for a dry indoor panel. Not rated for washdown or outdoor installation without an additional enclosure. The 4 HQ auxiliary switches provide status feedback for PLC or SCADA; the HQ designation typically means high-rupturing-capacity contacts suitable for switching control transformer loads.
Lifecycle and sourcing posture
Sourced and quoted to order against an RFQ through independent distribution. Availability and current pricing confirmed at quote time. The 4 HQ auxiliary switches are factory-integrated — no field-assembly of aux contacts needed.