What this MCCB is and what it does
The Siemens 3VA2140-7JP36-0AA0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed for line protection in industrial power distribution. It carries a rated continuous current of 40 A across the full ambient temperature range from 40 °C to 70 °C — no derating needed up to that ceiling, which simplifies panel sizing in warm enclosures. The ETU550 electronic trip unit provides adjustable overload and short-circuit protection curves, with a communication function for integration into higher-level monitoring systems. The 3-pole configuration handles three-phase circuits up to 480 A maximum (frame rating) and 800 V insulation voltage.
Breaking capacity — what the numbers mean for fault clearance
Rated short-circuit breaking capacity is 330 kA at 240 V AC, 242 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 187 kA at 500 V, and 3.7 kA at 690 V. These are the maximum fault currents the breaker can safely interrupt at each voltage level — critical for verifying SCCR compliance of the downstream panel. The steep drop at 690 V (3.7 kA) means this frame is not intended for 690 V distribution; it is optimized for 240–500 V systems where fault currents can be very high.
Panel fit and mounting
Dimensions: 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, 86 mm deep. The 3-pole frame mounts on a DIN rail or can be screw-fixed to a backplate. IP40 on the front face means protection against tools and wires >1 mm — suitable for enclosed panel mounting, not for washdown environments. The 1.6 W maximum power loss is negligible for thermal budgeting inside a sealed enclosure.
Approvals and documentation
The SENTRON 3VA series carries UL, CSA, and IEC certifications (specific marks per variant). The ETU550 trip unit supports communication protocols for integration with energy management systems. RoHS and REACH compliance documentation is available from Siemens — standard for this product family.