The Siemens 3VA2225-6HN32-0KC0 is a SENTRON 3VA2 molded case circuit breaker rated for 250 A continuous at 40 °C, with a 242 kA interrupting capacity at 240 V — enough to handle high-fault utility feeds or transformer secondaries without cascading upstream. This 3-pole unit is configured for line protection (not motor or generator duty), so it's sized for feeder or main breaker service in a distribution panel.
Interrupting rating and thermal derating
The interrupting rating drops from 242 kA at 240 V to 187 kA at 415/440 V, then 121 kA at 500 V, and 4.5 kA at 690 V — the high-fault capability is real but only at lower voltages; at 690 V this breaker is for moderate-fault applications only. Continuous current holds at 250 A up to 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. For a 250 A main in a warm enclosure, plan on the 213 A figure at 70 °C ambient.
Auxiliaries and releases
Factory-fitted with a shunt trip (STL) auxiliary release and two auxiliary switches (HQ type). The shunt trip allows remote tripping from a PLC safety output or E-stop circuit — no undervoltage release on this variant. Maximum power loss is 48 W, which matters for thermal management inside a sealed enclosure.
Mechanical fit and environment
Dimensions are 86 mm deep, 105 mm wide, 181 mm tall — standard 3-pole MCCB footprint for a 250 A frame. Mounts on a DIN rail or direct panel; the 86 mm depth clears most shallow backpanels. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage from -40 °C to 80 °C. No IP rating is listed, so this is for indoor panel installation, not washdown environments.
Lifecycle status is current production. The base switch variant is 3VA2225-6HN32-0AA0; this -0KC0 suffix adds the shunt trip and auxiliary switches as a factory-assembled option.