What this MCCB carries and where it lands
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2225-5HN42-0JH0 is a 4-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 250 A continuous current at 40 °C, designed for line protection in distribution panels. Its 121 kA breaking capacity at 415 V AC gives it the headroom to clear high-fault conditions on the main feeder without cascading upstream — a spec that matters when you're coordinating selectivity on a plant's primary switchboard. The 250 A rating holds flat from 40 °C through 50 °C, then derates to 241 A at 55 °C, 232 A at 60 °C, 222 A at 65 °C, and 213 A at 70 °C. If your panel ambient runs above 50 °C, size the upstream conductor and bus for the derated figure, not the nameplate 250 A. Breaking capacity steps down with system voltage: 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 75.6 kA at 500 V, and 4.5 kA at 690 V. At 690 V the 4.5 kA figure is the weak link — verify the available fault current at that voltage before specifying this breaker on a 690 V bus.
Panel fit and auxiliary wiring
Dimensions are 181 mm height, 140 mm width, 86 mm depth — a standard SENTRON 3VA2 frame footprint. The 86 mm depth includes the breaker body; allow additional clearance for the rotary handle and rear terminals. Mounts on a DIN rail or direct panel-mount plate. Factory-fitted with 2 auxiliary switches plus 1 trip alarm switch (HQ designation) and a shunt trip release (STL) for remote tripping. No undervoltage release is installed. The basic switch order code is 3VA2225-5HN42-0AA0 if you need the bare breaker without auxiliaries. Maximum power loss is 48 W at rated current — account for this in your enclosure thermal calculation, especially if the panel is sealed or has limited ventilation.
Lifecycle and sourcing posture
Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C. The storage minimum is the colder limit — relevant if the breaker sits in an unheated warehouse before installation.