Starter-protection MCCB — what the ratings mean for the panel
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1220-6MH32-0HH0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated 200 A continuous current (Iu) with a TM120M thermal-magnetic overcurrent release. The starter protection designation means the trip curve is shaped for motor-starting inrush — the magnetic short-circuit pickup is set higher than a standard distribution breaker to avoid nuisance tripping on locked-rotor current. The interrupting capacity at 240 V is 220 kA, dropping to 154 kA at 415 V and 36 kA at 440 V; at 690 V it still holds 17 kA. That 220 kA figure at 240 V covers high-fault utility feeds and transformer secondaries where available fault current can exceed 100 kA — this breaker clears without cascading upstream.
Thermal derating and enclosure fit
The 200 A rating holds flat from 40 °C to 50 °C ambient; above that it 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 panel with a 55 °C internal ambient, the usable continuous current is 192 A — plan the load accordingly. Dimensions are 105 mm wide × 158 mm high × 70 mm deep; the 105 mm width is a standard 6-module footprint for SENTRON 3VA fixed-breaker mounting plates. The front face carries IP40 protection, suitable for enclosed switchboards with a door or cover.
Auxiliary contacts and shunt trip — what ships on the frame
The breaker ships with 2 auxiliary switches plus 1 trip alarm switch (HQ configuration) and a shunt trip release (STL). The STL allows remote tripping from an E-stop or safety PLC signal; the trip alarm switch closes on fault trip, giving a separate signal path from the aux contacts that follow the main contacts. The shunt trip order code for replacement or spares is 3VA9688-0BL30. There is no undervoltage release, no ground-fault monitoring, and no communication module on this variant — it is a pure motor-protection breaker with remote-trip capability.