500 A continuous, 187 kA interrupting — the ratings that decide panel fit
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2450-5HK42-0AF0 is a 4-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 500 A continuous at 40 °C, with an interrupting capacity of 187 kA at 240 V. That interrupting figure drops to 121 kA at 415 V and 440 V, then 75.6 kA at 500 V, and 9 kA at 690 V — so the voltage class of your distribution bus determines whether this breaker clears a fault without cascading upstream. The 500 A rating holds flat through 50 °C; above that, derate to 477 A at 55 °C, 455 A at 60 °C, 432 A at 65 °C, and 410 A at 70 °C. The basic switch order code is 3VA24505HK420AA0, which is useful for verifying the internal mechanism when ordering a replacement or spare.
Panel integration — footprint and thermal budget
Dimensions are 184 mm wide, 248 mm high, and 110 mm deep. The 4-pole footprint is standard for this frame size; verify gland-plate cutout and bus-bar spacing against your existing panel layout. Maximum power loss is 99 W — that heat must be managed within the enclosure, especially if the breaker is loaded near its 500 A rating and the panel ambient is already elevated.