What it is and what the ratings mean
The Siemens 3VA4170-5ED24-3AA0 is a 2-pole molded case circuit breaker from the 3VA4 series, built on a UL Frame 125 platform. It is rated 70 A continuous and interrupts fault currents up to 35 kA at 480 V — that is the breaking capacity class M, meaning it can safely clear a 35 kA bolted fault on a 480 V line without welding its contacts or rupturing the case. The thermal-magnetic trip unit (TM210) has a fixed overload protection setting at Ir = 70 A and a fixed short-circuit pickup at Ii = 10 × In (700 A), so the breaker is not field-adjustable for current; it ships set for a 70 A load and stays that way. This is a made-to-order product (class C per Siemens classification), so it is manufactured per order rather than stocked as a standard catalog item. The packaging dimensions — 472 × 396 × 213 mm — reflect a single-piece shipment, not a bulk carton.
Where it fits in a panel
The 3VA4 frame mounts on a DIN rail or panel-mount base inside a UL 508A industrial control panel. At 70 A fixed, it is sized for feeder or branch protection on motor control centers, conveyor distribution panels, or lighting panelboards where the load is known and not expected to change.
Compliance and regulatory notes
RoHS compliant since 13 May 2019. REACH Article 33 disclosure: the part contains lead (CAS 7439-92-1) above 0.1% w/w in one or more homogeneous materials. Export control classification is AL: N / ECCN: EAR99, so no special license is required for most destinations.