What this MCCB is and what it protects
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2225-7HL32-0KL0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 250 A continuous current, designed specifically for line protection — meaning it guards cables and busbars against overload and short-circuit faults, not motor or generator circuits. Its breaking capacity reaches 330 kA at 240 V, 242 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 187 kA at 500 V, and 4.5 kA at 690 V — the sharp drop at 690 V confirms this breaker is optimized for low-voltage distribution up to 500 V, not 690 V main feeds. The breaker carries a shunt trip release (STL) for remote tripping and a full auxiliary switch complement: 2 auxiliary switches + 1 trip alarm switch + 1 electrical alarm switch HQ, giving the control system status feedback on breaker position and fault events.
Thermal derating — the real-world current limit
While the breaker is rated 250 A continuous, that holds only up to 50 °C ambient. At 55 °C it derates to 241 A, at 60 °C to 232 A, at 65 °C to 222 A, and at 70 °C to 213 A. If your panel ambient runs hot, size the load accordingly — the 250 A nameplate is not the limit in a crowded enclosure. Maximum power loss at rated current is 48 W, which contributes to internal cabinet heating. Account for that in your thermal budget if the breaker is in a sealed low-voltage switchboard. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to +70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to +80 °C. The storage limit governs handling and warehousing, not running conditions.
Lifecycle and sourcing posture
For volume procurement or BOM freeze, the part is quoted to order against an RFQ. Availability and current pricing are confirmed at quote time through independent distribution channels.
Panel fit and mounting dimensions
The breaker measures 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, and 86 mm deep — a standard SENTRON 3VA frame size that fits existing Siemens switchboard cutouts and busbar systems without adapter plates. Three-pole construction with line-protection trip curve. The 250 A continuous rating and the 375 A minimum fault-current threshold define the range the breaker clears within its trip characteristic.