630 A MCCB with 242 kA interrupting rating — what the numbers mean for your panel
The Siemens 3VA2463-6KP32-0HL0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker rated for 630 A continuous current at 40 °C, with a maximum breaking capacity of 242 kA at 240 V AC. That interrupting rating drops to 187 kA at 415 V and 440 V, then to 121 kA at 500 V, and down to 9 kA at 690 V — so the voltage your distribution system runs at directly governs whether this breaker clears a fault without upstream coordination issues. For a 400 V line, the 187 kA figure means it handles high-fault scenarios common in industrial main feeders or large sub-distribution boards. The continuous current derates with ambient temperature: 630 A at 40 °C, 600 A at 45 °C, 570 A at 50 °C, 540 A at 55 °C, 510 A at 60 °C, 480 A at 65 °C, and 450 A at 70 °C. If your panel runs hot — say 50 °C inside a non-climate-controlled enclosure — the effective ampacity is 570 A, not the nameplate 630 A. Plan your load budget against the derated figure, not the 40 °C rating. The breaker measures 248 mm high, 138 mm wide, and 110 mm deep — a 3-pole frame that fits standard panel mounting. It includes a trip indicator, voltage trigger, and communication function for remote monitoring or integration into a BMS or SCADA system. The auxiliary switch configuration is 2 auxiliary switches plus 1 trip alarm switch plus 1 electrical alarm switch HQ, and a shunt trip (STL) auxiliary release is built in.
Panel integration — dimensions and mounting notes
At 248 mm high × 138 mm wide × 110 mm deep, this 3-pole MCCB fits a standard panel cutout for SENTRON 3VA frames. The 110 mm depth (4.33 in) means it clears typical enclosures with room for rear bus bars or cable ducts. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C. Maximum power loss is 162 W — factor that into enclosure ventilation or cooling calculations, especially in a multi-breaker lineup.