The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1225-5FF42-0JA0 is a 4-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 250 A continuous current (Iu) with a TM240 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release. It is configured for line protection — no ground-fault monitoring, no communication module, no auxiliary contacts. The interrupting capacity reaches 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V, 36 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at 690 V, which covers most industrial distribution panels and motor control centers up to those fault levels.
Ratings and what they mean for fit
The 250 A continuous rating holds flat from 40 °C to 50 °C, then derates to 243.3 A at 55 °C, 236.5 A at 60 °C, 229 A at 65 °C, and 223 A at 70 °C. That means in a warm panel — say 55 °C ambient — you lose about 6.7 A of headroom; at 70 °C you lose 27 A. Plan your load bundle accordingly if the breaker sits near other heat sources. The 187 kA at 240 V is the highest interrupting rating on this breaker; at 415 V it drops to 121 kA, and at 690 V to 17 kA. For a 480 V panel (common in North America) the relevant figure is the 415 V or 440 V line — 121 kA or 36 kA respectively — so verify your available fault current against the voltage you actually run. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V, and the front protection class is IP40 — fine for a dry indoor enclosure, but not for washdown or outdoor exposure.
Panel integration notes
Dimensions are 158 mm high, 140 mm wide, 70 mm deep. It mounts on a DIN rail or directly to a backplate via the breaker's own mounting points. The 4-pole footprint is wider than a 3-pole; verify gland-plate cutout and busbar spacing before committing the panel layout. The unit ships without auxiliary contacts or a communication module — those are add-on accessories (the integrated auxiliary trip is order code 3VA9688-0BL32). If you need remote status or shunt-trip control, order those separately.