What this MCCB brings to a motor branch circuit
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2110-5MN32-0JH0 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, which simplifies panel layout in warm enclosures. Breaking capacity hits 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 75.6 kA at 500 V, and 3.7 kA at 690 V — so on a 480 V distribution system you have 75.6 kA of SCCR headroom, enough to coordinate with most upstream transformers without cascading. Designed specifically for motor protection, it includes phase failure detection and a shunt trip release (STL) as the auxiliary release, plus two auxiliary switches and one trip alarm switch HQ for status feedback to a PLC or annunciator.
Physical fit and panel integration
Dimensions are 181 mm high, 105 mm wide, 86 mm deep — a standard SENTRON 3VA2 footprint that drops into existing MCCB mounting bases without panel rework. The 10 W maximum power loss keeps heat rise manageable in a sealed enclosure; operating range is -25 °C to 70 °C, storage from -40 °C to 80 °C.
What the ratings mean for selectivity
The 187 kA at 240 V is the ultimate breaking capacity (Icu) — the breaker can safely interrupt a fault at that level once and still carry rated current afterward. The 100 A continuous rating holds flat through 70 °C, so no ampacity knockback in a hot panel. The 4 s to 17 s time-delay band on the thermal-magnetic trip gives enough margin for motor inrush without nuisance tripping on a 100 A feeder.