The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2340-5JP32-0CH0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 400 A continuous current at 40 °C, designed for line protection in distribution panels. Its interrupting capacity reaches 187 kA at 240 V and 121 kA at 415 V, per the datasheet — figures that govern selectivity coordination with downstream devices.
Thermal derating and interrupting capacity
The 400 A rating holds flat from 40 °C through 50 °C, then derates linearly: 375 A at 55 °C, 350 A at 60 °C, 325 A at 65 °C, and 300 A at 70 °C. That means the breaker can be applied in a 50 °C panel without de-rating the bus — a common condition in enclosed switchgear. Above that, the thermal curve governs; an engineer sizing for a 60 °C ambient should plan for 350 A continuous. Interrupting capacity varies with system voltage: 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 75.6 kA at 500 V, and 7.5 kA at 690 V. At 415 V, the 121 kA figure covers most industrial secondary-distribution fault levels; at 690 V the 7.5 kA rating limits application to lower-fault installations.
Dimensions and panel fit
Physical footprint: 248 mm height, 138 mm width, 110 mm depth. The 138 mm width is the standard 3-pole MCCB form factor for this SENTRON frame; it mounts on a DIN rail or bolts directly into a panel bus. The 110 mm depth leaves clearance for rear-connected bus bars in a typical 400 mm deep enclosure.
Built-in auxiliaries and releases
Factory-fitted with 2 auxiliary switches plus 1 trip alarm switch (HQ type), and an undervoltage release (UVR). The UVR trips the breaker when control voltage drops below a set threshold — standard for emergency-stop chains and safety circuits that need to guarantee a break on loss of control power. Communication function is integrated, enabling remote monitoring and trip-event logging.
Power loss and thermal management
Maximum power dissipation is 98.5 W at rated load. In a sealed enclosure with multiple breakers ganged, that heat must be factored into the ventilation or cooling budget — a consideration for panel builders coordinating thermal rise.