What this MCCB is and what it handles
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2440-5HN32-0AD0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) for line protection in distribution panels. Its fixed 4800 A rating means there's no adjustable trip block to set — what's on the nameplate is what you get, which simplifies BOM matching and reduces commissioning errors on site. Continuous current holds flat at 400 A from 40 °C all the way up to 70 °C ambient — no derating curve to chase across the operating range. That's useful when the breaker lives in a hot panel next to transformers or drives that push the internal temperature. Interrupting capacity runs 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415/440 V, 75.6 kA at 500 V, and 9 kA at 690 V. At 240 V that's a high-fault installation — think large transformer secondaries or industrial services where the available fault current is serious. At 690 V the 9 kA figure is modest; if your system sits at that voltage with higher fault potential, check selectivity coordination.
Panel fit and thermal management
Dimensions are 248 mm high, 138 mm wide, 110 mm deep — a standard MCCB footprint that fits most distribution panelboards and switchgear cubicles without surprises. The 138 mm width per pole is typical for this current class; verify gland-plate cutouts if retrofitting into an existing enclosure. Maximum power loss is 63.5 W. In a sealed or tightly packed panel that's enough heat to matter — leave breathing space around the breaker and check the enclosure's dissipation capacity if you're stacking multiple units. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C. The storage bottom end is fine for unheated warehouses in cold climates, but if the breaker sees continuous condensation or freezing conditions during operation, the -25 °C floor is the limit.
Auxiliary switching and variants
This order code includes 3 auxiliary switches (HQ type) built in — no separate add-on module to order and fit. That's three sets of contacts for status feedback, remote indication, or interlocking. The basic switch variant without auxiliaries is order code 3VA2440-5HN32-0AA0. No undervoltage release, no shunt trip, no ground-fault monitoring, no communication function on this variant. If you need any of those, this isn't the order code — you'd step up to a -5H... suffix with the appropriate release or module.