What this 3VA2340-6JP32-0HH0 brings to the panel
The Siemens 3VA2340-6JP32-0HH0 is a SENTRON 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 AC. That interrupting figure drops to 187 kA at 415 V and 440 V, and to 121 kA at 500 V — still well above typical fault levels for most industrial distribution panels. At 690 V it holds 7.5 kA, which is the limit for that voltage tier. This breaker is designed for line protection. It includes a communication function, which lets the panel communicate trip status, current draw, and alarm conditions to a PLC or SCADA system without separate metering. The auxiliary switch configuration includes two auxiliary switches plus a trip alarm switch (HQ designation), and the unit ships with a shunt trip release (STL) for remote tripping. No undervoltage release or ground-fault monitoring is fitted as standard.
Thermal derating — where the 400 A rating holds and where it tapers
The 400 A continuous rating is flat from 40 °C through 50 °C. At 55 °C it derates to 375 A, at 60 °C to 350 A, at 65 °C to 325 A, and at 70 °C to 300 A. If the panel ambient runs hot — say near a transformer or in a non-conditioned enclosure — the effective ampacity drops. The maximum operating temperature is 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C. Power loss at full load is 96 W maximum. That heat has to be managed inside the enclosure — factor it into the thermal budget if the panel is densely packed.
Physical fit and mounting
Dimensions are 248 mm high, 138 mm wide, and 110 mm deep. The 138 mm width is the standard 3-pole MCCB footprint for this frame size.
How it compares to the smaller-frame 3VA1110-5EF32-0AM0
The 3VA1110-5EF32-0AM0 is a physically smaller frame and will not drop into a panel wired for the 3VA2340-6JP32-0HH0 without busbar and lug changes. The 3VA2340 frame uses larger line and load terminals rated for the full 400 A path; the 3VA1110 terminals are sized for lower current.