What this MCCB is and what the ratings mean for fit
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2010-6HL32-0HA0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for line protection, carrying a rated continuous current Iu of 100 A and a rated insulation voltage Ui of 800 V. The 242 kA interrupting capacity at 240 V and 187 kA at 415 V mean this breaker handles high-fault-current scenarios typical in industrial main feeders or large motor control centers — it safely clears a bolted fault without upstream devices needing to trip, which is the core of selective coordination. The interrupting rating drops to 4 kA at 690 V, so at higher voltages the available fault current must be checked against that ceiling. The ETU320 electronic trip unit provides adjustable overload and short-circuit protection curves, giving the site electrical engineer flexibility to coordinate with downstream breakers.
Panel fit and integration
The breaker measures 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, and 86 mm deep — a standard SENTRON 3VA footprint that drops into existing Siemens switchboard or panel cutouts. No auxiliary contacts are fitted, and there is no communication module, so this is a standalone line-protection device. The shunt trip (STL) design of the auxiliary release allows remote tripping via a separate control voltage, useful for emergency-stop circuits or interlocking with a downstream contactor. The integrated auxiliary trip is order code 3VA9688-0BL30.
Thermal derating and operating limits
The breaker carries 100 A continuously up to 50 °C ambient. Above that, derating applies: 96.25 A at 55 °C, 92.5 A at 60 °C, 88.75 A at 65 °C, and 85 A at 70 °C. The maximum operating temperature is 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C. In a hot panel — say a motor control center near a dryer section — the 85 A ceiling at 70 °C is the real limit, not the 100 A nameplate. Maximum power loss is 13.5 W, which matters for enclosure thermal calculations.