What this 3VA2225 is, and what the ratings mean for fit
The Siemens 3VA2225-5JQ32-0JL0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 250 A continuous current across a 3-pole configuration, with a line-protection profile — meaning it is sized for feeder or large-load protection where the trip curve is set for cable and busbar, not motor inrush. Breaking capacity is the headline: 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415/440 V, 79 kA at 500 V, and 5.1 kA at 690 V. That 121 kA at 415 V tells you this breaker can sit at the main incomer in a high-fault industrial panel without needing a current-limiting upstream device — it clears faults up to that level on its own. The temperature derating matters for real-world panel loading: full 250 A is available up to 50 °C ambient. At 55 °C it drops to 238 A, at 60 °C to 225 A, at 65 °C to 213 A, and at 70 °C to 213 A. If your enclosure runs hot, size the load accordingly — do not spec it at 250 A in a 65 °C panel.
Trip unit and auxiliary configuration
Overcurrent protection is handled by the ETU560 electronic trip unit, which supports adjustable long-time, short-time, instantaneous, and ground-fault settings. Ground-fault detection uses summation current formation on the L-conductor — it sums the phase currents and trips on residual imbalance, not a separate neutral CT. The auxiliary contact block includes 2 auxiliary switches, 1 trip alarm switch, and 1 electrical alarm switch. A shunt trip (STL) release is integrated for remote tripping via a control signal. The supplied basic switch is order code 3VA2225-5JQ32-0AA0; the integrated auxiliary trip module is 3VA9688-0BL32. Communication function is present, enabling integration with a BMS or PLC for power monitoring and remote status. No undervoltage release or phase-failure detection is built in — those would be external additions if required.
Dimensions and panel fit
Physical footprint: 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, 86 mm deep. Standard SENTRON 3VA2 frame size — mounts on a DIN rail or panel-mount plate. The 105 mm width is the same as other 3VA2 3-pole breakers, so swapping from a similar-rated 3VA2 unit should not require re-drilling or re-bussing.