The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2225-5JP32-0AB0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 250 A continuous at 40 °C, designed for line protection in distribution panels. It carries a 187 kA interrupting capacity at 240 V, tapering to 121 kA at 415/440 V, 75.6 kA at 500 V, and 4.5 kA at 690 V — so the SCCR headroom shrinks fast above 500 V; coordination studies need to account for the voltage-dependent curve, not just the top-line number.
Ratings and thermal performance
Continuous current holds at 250 A from 40 °C through 50 °C ambient, then derates to 238 A at 55 °C, 225 A at 60 °C, 213 A at 65 °C, and 200 A at 70 °C. That 50 °C plateau is useful for non-climate-controlled enclosures; above that, the derating curve is linear enough to calculate intermediate points. Max power loss is 48 W — a non-trivial heat load in a sealed panel, so ventilation or a larger enclosure may be needed if the breaker runs near full load at elevated ambients.
Physical fit and panel integration
Dimensions are 181 mm high, 105 mm wide, 86 mm deep — a standard SENTRON 3VA2 frame footprint. The 105 mm width means it occupies three 35 mm DIN spaces plus a sliver; verify busbar and adjacent breaker spacing in existing panels. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C, storage from -40 °C to 80 °C. No undervoltage release or ground-fault monitoring on this variant, but it ships with 2 auxiliary switches (HP type) built in.
Communication and auxiliary configuration
This order code includes a communication function — the basic switch variant is 3VA2225-5JP32-0AA0, so the -0AB0 suffix adds the comms module. No auxiliary release is fitted. The 2 HP auxiliary switches are wired internally; verify the contact arrangement against your control circuit before panel wiring.