What the interrupting ratings mean for your panel
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2010-6HL32-0AF0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 100 A continuous current across the full 40 °C to 70 °C ambient range — no derating needed up to that ceiling. Its interrupting capacity is specified per voltage: 242 kA at 240 V, 187 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 121 kA at 500 V, and 3 kA at 690 V. That 242 kA figure at 240 V means this breaker can safely clear a fault of that magnitude without rupturing, which is relevant for high-fault-capacity service-entrance or distribution panels where the available short-circuit current exceeds 100 kA. The 3 kA at 690 V is a derated condition for higher-voltage industrial systems; verify your system's available fault current against the voltage-specific rating.
Trip range and protection profile
The breaker's adjustable thermal-magnetic trip unit covers a continuous current range from 150 A to 1 200 A, though the frame itself is rated for 100 A continuous. That means the trip unit is sized for a larger frame than the continuous rating suggests — the 100 A continuous rating is the limit for sustained load, while the trip range allows coordination with downstream devices. The design is for line protection, not feeder or motor protection; it's intended for main or branch circuit protection where selectivity with downstream breakers matters. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V, giving headroom for 480 V and 600 V class systems.
Physical fit and panel integration
Dimensions are 181 mm height, 105 mm width, 86 mm depth. The 105 mm width is standard for a 3-pole MCCB in this class — it occupies three 35 mm DIN-rail modules (35 mm per pole). The 86 mm depth includes the arc chamber and termination area; verify clearance behind the panel door for the breaker body and any auxiliary switch wiring. The auxiliary switch configuration is 1 auxiliary switch plus 1 trip alarm switch (HQ type), which provides both a status contact and a separate alarm contact for remote indication of a trip event.