The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2340-6HL32-0JL0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 400 A continuous current (Iu) at 40 °C ambient, carrying a 242 kA interrupting capacity at 240 V and 187 kA at 415/440 V. The ETU320 electronic trip unit handles the overcurrent release, with a shunt trip (STL) for remote tripping and a full auxiliary contact set — two auxiliary switches plus one trip alarm and one electrical alarm switch (HQ). Line protection version, no ground fault monitoring, no communication module.
Interrupting capacity and selectivity
The 242 kA at 240 V is the headline figure, but the real-world value for a 400 A frame is the 187 kA at 415 V — that's the common low-voltage distribution level across most industrial plants. At 690 V it still clears 40 kA, which keeps this breaker usable on 690 V delta systems common in mining and heavy process. The ETU320 trip unit supports adjustable long-time, short-time, and instantaneous settings, so you can coordinate downstream breakers for selective tripping rather than a full bus blackout.
Thermal derating and panel fit
The 400 A rating holds flat from 40 °C through 50 °C. At 55 °C it derates to 385 A, at 60 °C to 370 A, at 65 °C to 355 A, and at 70 °C to 340 A. If the panel ambient runs hot — near a transformer or drive cabinet — you need to account for the derating curve. The 138 mm width, 248 mm height, and 110 mm depth fit standard Siemens 3VA switchboard mounting; no special adapter needed for most SENTRON distribution panels.
Lifecycle and sourcing
This is a current-production part — no phase-out notice on record. The 3VA2 frame is Siemens' mainline MCCB platform, so spares and replacements are stable through normal distribution. For a BOM freeze or a new panel build, the part is sourced and quoted to order against an RFQ; availability and current pricing are confirmed at quote time.