Siemens SENTRON 3VA2225-5HL42-0CH0 — 250 A Molded Case Circuit Breaker
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2225-5HL42-0CH0 is a 4-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 250 A continuous current, designed for line protection in distribution panels and switchgear. Its interrupting capacity reaches 187 kA at 240 V AC and 121 kA at 415 V AC, making it suitable for high-fault-current installations such as industrial mains or feeder circuits. The breaker includes an undervoltage release (UVR) and is configured with two auxiliary switches plus one trip alarm switch (HQ) for remote status monitoring.
Current Ratings and Thermal Derating
The breaker holds 250 A continuously from 40 °C up to 50 °C ambient. Above that, the rating steps down: 241 A at 55 °C, 232 A at 60 °C, 222 A at 65 °C, and 213 A at 70 °C. This derating curve matters when the breaker is enclosed in a warm panel — the actual load must stay under the derated value at the panel's internal temperature, not the nameplate 250 A.
Breaking Capacity Across Voltages
The interrupting rating varies with system voltage: 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at both 415 V and 440 V, 75.6 kA at 500 V, and 4.5 kA at 690 V. This voltage-dependent curve is typical for MCCBs — the arc extinction energy changes with voltage, so the same breaker clears higher fault currents at lower voltages. For a 480 V panel, the 75.6 kA rating is the one to check against the available fault current.
Physical Fit and Panel Integration
Dimensions are 181 mm high, 140 mm wide, and 86 mm deep. The 140 mm width for a 4-pole frame is standard for SENTRON 3VA2 breakers — it occupies three 45 mm pole-width slots plus one neutral pole. Mounting is via screw terminals or busbar connection; the breaker accepts lug or fork-type connectors. Verify the busbar pitch and terminal clearance against your panel layout before ordering.