What it is and what it does
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2225-6KP32-0KA0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 250 A continuous current at 40 °C, designed for line protection in distribution panels and industrial switchgear. Its interrupting capacity reaches 242 kA at 240 V and 187 kA at 415 V, giving it the headroom to clear high-fault-current events without cascading upstream — a key parameter for selectivity studies on a plant's main or feeder breaker. The breaker includes a shunt trip release for remote emergency-off circuits and a communication function for integration into a monitoring or energy-management system.
Ratings and what they mean for fit
The 250 A frame holds its full rating from 40 °C through 50 °C, then derates linearly to 200 A at 70 °C. If your panel ambient runs above 50 °C, size the breaker for the derated value — the 250 A nameplate applies only up to that threshold. Breaking capacity drops from 242 kA at 240 V to 121 kA at 500 V, then sharply to 4.5 kA at 690 V. Verify the available fault current at your system voltage; at 690 V this breaker is not a high-interrupting device. The adjustable thermal-magnetic trip range spans 375 A to 2,500 A (likely the instantaneous magnetic pickup), allowing coordination with downstream feeders. The continuous rating is fixed at 250 A via the frame and trip unit.
Panel integration and dimensions
At 105 mm wide, 181 mm tall, and 86 mm deep, this MCCB fits standard SENTRON 3VA panel cutouts and bus-bar centers. The depth of 86 mm (3.39 in) leaves clearance for rear-connected bus bars or cable lugs in a typical 600 mm deep enclosure. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range extends from -40 °C to 80 °C. The part is rated for indoor, pollution-degree-3 environments typical of industrial control panels.