What this 3VA2 frame delivers
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2340-6JP32-0AF0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 400 A continuous current at 40 °C, with a maximum interrupting capacity of 242 kA at 240 V and 187 kA at 415 V. It is designed for line protection in industrial distribution panels, with a built-in communication function for integration into higher-level monitoring systems.
Interrupting capacity and derating — what the numbers mean
At 240 V the breaker clears 242 kA symmetrical, which covers most low-voltage fault scenarios in North American 277/480 V wye systems. At 415 V it still holds 187 kA, adequate for European 400 V industrial mains. The 7.5 kA rating at 690 V is a steep drop — this frame is not intended for 690 V line-side faults; it is a 400 V class device. Thermal derating is published per the datasheet: the breaker holds 400 A up to 50 °C ambient, then drops to 375 A at 55 °C, 350 A at 60 °C, 325 A at 65 °C, and 300 A at 70 °C. If the panel ambient runs above 50 °C, size the continuous load against the derated value, not the nameplate 400 A.
Panel fit and auxiliaries
The breaker occupies 138 mm width, 248 mm height, and 110 mm depth — a 3-pole frame that fits standard SENTRON 3VA2 mounting footprints. It ships with one auxiliary switch and one trip alarm switch (HQ design), plus a trip indicator. The basic switch is order code 3VA2340-6JP32-0AA0; the -0AF0 suffix adds the communication module.