MCCB for high-fault panel builds
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2225-5HL42-0KL0 is a 4-pole molded case circuit breaker rated 250 A continuous at 40 °C, built for line protection in distribution panels. Its interrupting capacity hits 187 kA at 240 V and still holds 121 kA at 415/440 V — enough to clear a high-fault service entrance without cascading upstream. The 86 mm depth and 140 mm width fit standard MCCB mounting footprints; the 181 mm height leaves room for gland plates and busbar risers. A shunt trip (STL) release is built in, plus two auxiliary switches, one trip alarm switch, and one electrical alarm switch HQ for remote status.
Current ratings and thermal derating
Rated 250 A continuous at 40 °C, the breaker holds that rating through 50 °C. Above that it derates: 241 A at 55 °C, 232 A at 60 °C, 222 A at 65 °C, 213 A at 70 °C. The operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C. Maximum power loss is 48 W. For a panel builder, the 250 A frame means this breaker handles a 250 A bus without upsizing, but the thermal curve matters if the panel runs hot — at 60 °C you lose about 7% headroom.
Interrupting performance across voltages
Breaking capacity is rated per IEC 60947-2. At 240 V: 187 kA. At 415 V and 440 V: 121 kA. At 500 V: 75.6 kA. At 690 V: 4.5 kA. The high 187 kA at 240 V suits North American service-entrance applications with transformer impedances below 1%. The drop at 690 V to 4.5 kA means this breaker is not the right choice for 690 V distribution with high fault current — the 690 V rating is for low-fault sub-distribution only.
Auxiliary and release configuration
Factory-fitted with a shunt trip (STL) for remote tripping. Auxiliary switch complement: two auxiliary switches, one trip alarm switch, one electrical alarm switch HQ. The trip indicator and voltage trigger are present; undervoltage release is not fitted. Communication function is absent — this is a standalone breaker, not a SENTRON 3VA2 with integrated Profibus/Modbus. The basic switch base is 3VA2225-5HL42-0AA0.