What this MCCB delivers on the line
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2340-6JP32-0HL0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 400 A continuous current from 40 °C through 50 °C ambient — no derating needed in a typical ventilated enclosure. At 240 V it interrupts 242 kA, which covers most utility-transformer fault currents without cascading upstream breakers. The frame holds that 400 A rating steady up to 50 °C; above that it derates linearly to 300 A at 70 °C, so if your panel runs hot factor that curve into the BOM. This is a line-protection design — it protects cables and busbars, not motor overloads. The built-in communication function means it can talk to a higher-level system for metering or remote trip indication, which saves adding a separate power meter on the same feeder. Dimensions are 248 mm high, 138 mm wide, 110 mm deep — a standard SENTRON 3VA2 frame that fits common panel cutouts and busbar centers. The auxiliary switch complement (2 aux + 1 trip alarm + 1 electrical alarm HQ) gives enough status feedback for a PLC input card without extra interposing relays.
Breaking capacity by voltage — where it fits
Breaking capacity varies sharply with system voltage: 242 kA at 240 V, 187 kA at both 415 V and 440 V, 121 kA at 500 V, and 7.5 kA at 690 V. The 690 V figure is low — this breaker is not intended for 690 V main feeders unless the fault current is tightly limited. At 400/415 V distribution panels it handles most industrial fault levels comfortably.
Integration notes for the panel builder
Mounts on a standard DIN rail or directly to a backplate via the 3VA2 frame's screw terminals. The 138 mm width occupies three 45 mm module spaces — plan your gland plate and busbar takeoff accordingly. Power loss is 96 W maximum at rated current, so factor that into enclosure thermal calculations; a ventilated or fan-cooled cabinet is advisable above 40 °C ambient. The shunt trip (STL) release is built in, and the undervoltage release is absent — if your safety circuit requires a UVR, you need the -0HL0 variant with that option or add an external undervoltage relay. The trip indicator and voltage trigger are present, which simplifies troubleshooting on a live panel.