Siemens SENTRON 3VA2340-5HL32-0KH0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 400 A continuous current at 40 °C, designed for line protection in industrial distribution panels. Its interrupting capacity reaches 187 kA at 240 V AC and 121 kA at 415/440 V, dropping to 7.5 kA at 690 V — the voltage-dependent curve governs where this breaker can serve as the main or branch protective device.
Thermal derating and continuous duty
The 400 A rating holds from 40 °C through 50 °C ambient. Above that, it steps down: 385 A at 55 °C, 370 A at 60 °C, 355 A at 65 °C, and 340 A at 70 °C. If the panel ambient runs hot — say, near a furnace line or in a sealed enclosure — the actual continuous current capability is the derated figure, not the nameplate 400 A. Plan the load accordingly.
Interrupting capacity by voltage
The breaker's short-circuit rating varies sharply with system voltage. At 240 V it handles 187 kA; at 415 V and 440 V it's 121 kA; at 500 V it drops to 75.6 kA; at 690 V it's 7.5 kA. For a 400 V distribution board with a high available fault current (over 100 kA), this breaker still holds — but at 690 V it's only suited for low-fault branches. Verify the point-of-installation SCCR against the voltage-specific value.
Built-in auxiliary and shunt trip
Factory-fitted with 2 auxiliary switches plus 1 trip alarm switch (HQ configuration) and a shunt trip release (STL). That means remote tripping and status feedback are covered without adding external accessories. The shunt trip allows a PLC or safety relay to open the breaker on demand — useful for emergency-stop circuits or remote shutdown sequences.
Physical fit and panel integration
Dimensions: 248 mm high, 138 mm wide, 110 mm deep. The 3-pole frame fits standard SENTRON mounting patterns. Depth of 110 mm is shallow enough for most 200 mm deep enclosures, but check gland-plate clearance if rear-access cabling is tight. The breaker includes a trip indicator and voltage trigger for downstream alarm annunciation.