What this 3VA2440-5MN32-0HL0 is and what it does
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2440-5MN32-0HL0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed specifically for motor protection — meaning its trip curve and phase-failure detection are tuned for motor-start inrush rather than a straight thermal-only overload relay. Rated 400 A continuously across the full ambient range from 40 °C to 70 °C — no derating curve to chase as the panel warms up. Interrupting capacity hits 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 75.6 kA at 500 V, and 9 kA at 690 V — that 187 kA figure at 240 V tells you this breaker is built for high-fault utility or transformer-fed secondary buses where the available fault current is serious.
What the ratings mean for fit
The 400 A rating is flat across the 40–70 °C operating band — that is unusual and valuable for a panel that runs hot; most MCCBs start derating above 40 °C. Short-time withstand is limited to 5 kA for 1 s — if you need selective coordination downstream of a transformer with a longer delay, verify the let-through energy against your upstream breaker's trip curve. Time delay adjustable from 4 s minimum to 17 s maximum — covers motor acceleration profiles for standard induction motors without nuisance tripping on start. Physical footprint: 248 mm tall, 138 mm wide, 110 mm deep — standard SENTRON 3VA panel cutout; drops into existing 3VA mounting bases.
Auxiliary and release configuration
Supplied with 2 auxiliary switches + 1 trip alarm switch + 1 electrical alarm switch HQ, plus a shunt trip release (STL) — covers remote trip, status feedback, and alarm annunciation without additional add-on modules. Includes a trip indicator and phase-failure detection — both standard on the motor-protection variant.
Environmental and thermal limits
Operates from -25 °C to 70 °C ambient; storage from -40 °C to 80 °C — the storage range exceeds the operating range, which governs handling and shipping, not running conditions. Maximum power loss is 63.5 W — factor that into enclosure ventilation if the panel is densely packed.