What this 3VA2340-5HL32-0JC0 is and what it does
The Siemens 3VA2340-5HL32-0JC0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 400 A continuous current in a 3-pole configuration, designed for line protection in distribution panels. Its interrupting capacity hits 187 kA at 240 V and 121 kA at 415 V, so it clears high-fault currents without cascading upstream — critical for main or feeder breakers in industrial switchgear. The breaker carries a shunt trip (STL) auxiliary release and two auxiliary switches (HQ design), meaning it can be tripped remotely and signal its status back to a PLC or annunciator.
Breaking capacity and thermal derating — the real selection numbers
The 400 A frame is rated for a minimum trip setting of 600 A and a maximum of 4 000 A, so it covers feeder circuits from moderate to high overload. The interrupting rating drops as voltage climbs: 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at both 415 V and 440 V, 75.6 kA at 500 V, and 7.5 kA at 690 V. That 690 V figure is the one to watch if you're on a 690 V distribution — it's still a solid number but well below the low-voltage ratings. Thermal derating is published per degree: the breaker holds 400 A up to 50 °C, then steps down to 385 A at 55 °C, 370 A at 60 °C, 355 A at 65 °C, and 340 A at 70 °C. If your panel ambient runs hot, size the load accordingly.
Panel fit and integration
The breaker measures 248 mm high, 138 mm wide, and 110 mm deep — a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint that fits most distribution panelboards and switchgear cubicles. The 110 mm depth (4.33 in) is shallow enough for compact enclosures. It ships with the basic switch (3VA2340-5HL32-0AA0) and the auxiliary switches are pre-installed; the shunt trip is integrated, so no field wiring of a separate undervoltage release is needed. Power loss is 96 W max at rated load — account for that in your thermal budget if the panel is densely packed.