100 A MCCB for Line Protection — SENTRON 3VA2010-5KP32-0KH0
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2010-5KP32-0KH0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 100 A continuous current across the full ambient range from 40 °C to 70 °C — no derating needed up to that ceiling. It is designed for line protection, meaning it guards the feeder cable and downstream bus against short-circuit and overload, not motor or generator duty. Interrupting capacity climbs to 187 kA at 240 V and holds 121 kA at 415 V and 440 V, then drops to 75.6 kA at 500 V and 3 kA at 690 V. That 187 kA figure at 240 V tells you it can handle a bolted fault right at the transformer secondary — a high-fault panel where a standard MCCB would weld its contacts. At 690 V the 3 kA limit means it is not a primary choice for 690 V distribution unless the available fault current is known to be low. The breaker ships with a shunt trip (STL) and two auxiliary switches plus one trip alarm switch (HQ). The shunt trip lets a remote PLC or E-stop relay drop the breaker without a manual handle pull — useful for emergency-off circuits. The trip alarm switch signals a fault trip separately from the auxiliary position feedback, so a control system knows whether the breaker opened on command or on a fault.
Panel Fit — Dimensions and Mounting
The breaker measures 105 mm wide, 181 mm tall, and 86 mm deep. That 105 mm width is a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint for this class — it fits the same cutout as other SENTRON 3VA frame breakers. Depth of 86 mm means it clears a 100 mm deep enclosure with room for rear bus connections. The 181 mm height leaves space above for a rotary handle mechanism if needed.
What the 100 A Rating Buys You
The 100 A continuous rating is flat from 40 °C to 70 °C — no thermal derating curve to calculate. That is unusual for a thermal-magnetic MCCB; most lose capacity above 40 °C. This one holds 100 A all the way to 70 °C, which simplifies panel design in hot environments (switchgear rooms, outdoor enclosures in sun).