What this breaker is and what the ratings mean for your panel
The Siemens 3VA1580-5GF42-0LG0 is a 4-pole IEC circuit breaker in the 3VA1 family, frame size 1000, with a breaking capacity class M rated at 55 kA at 415 V AC. That interrupting rating tells you it can clear a bolted fault up to 55 kA without failing — critical for downstream coordination on 415 V industrial mains where available fault current can exceed 50 kA. The thermal-magnetic trip TM240 gives an overload range Ir = 560…800 A and a short-circuit pickup Ii = 5…10 × In, so you can dial the long-time pickup to match cable or motor full-load amps and set the magnetic threshold to ride through motor inrush. This is a line-protection breaker, not a motor-circuit protector — the TM240 curve is designed for feeder and distribution duty. The 100 % N-conductor protection means the neutral pole is fully rated and trips with the phases, which matters for 4-wire systems where a neutral overload could otherwise go undetected. The included universal release (24 V DC) and one changeover auxiliary switch let you add a shunt trip for remote opening and get a dry contact for status feedback to a PLC or annunciator — no separate accessory to order for basic remote tripping.
Lifecycle and sourcing posture
Availability is quoted to order against an RFQ through independent distribution channels. Because the part is active, lead times typically follow standard Siemens distribution cycles — confirm current pricing and delivery window at quote time.
Integration and wiring notes
This breaker mounts in a standard IEC switchboard or panel — frame 1000 means it occupies the physical footprint of a 1000 A molded-case breaker. The 4-pole configuration with 100 % neutral protection requires a full-width neutral pole; verify your panel's neutral bar and bus-stub clearance for a 4-pole device. The TM240 trip unit is field-adjustable: Ir from 560 to 800 A via a dial, Ii from 5× to 10× In via a separate rotary switch. Set these before energizing — the magnetic pickup at 5× In (4000 A) may be too low for a large motor starting transient; 10× In (8000 A) gives more headroom. The universal release coil is 24 V DC. If you are wiring it into a 24 V DC control circuit, confirm the coil's inrush and seal current do not exceed the PLC output or relay rating. The auxiliary switch is a changeover contact rated for standard control voltages.