The Siemens SENTRON 3VM1196-3EE32-0AA0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for line protection, with a maximum current of 320 A and a TM220 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release. It breaks up to 76 kA at 240 V, 53 kA at 415 V, 32 kA at 440 V, and 12 kA at 500 V — numbers that define the fault-clearing capability at the panel's service voltage. The TM220 release means the thermal (overload) pickup is fixed at 220 A, while the magnetic (short-circuit) pickup is adjustable; the 320 A frame gives headroom for derating or future load growth.
Breaking capacity and selectivity
At 240 V the 76 kA interrupting rating is high enough to serve as a main breaker in most low-voltage distribution panels without upstream fusing. At 415 V the 53 kA still covers typical industrial transformer secondary faults. Drop to 12 kA at 500 V — still adequate for 480 V motor control centers, but verify the available fault current at the point of common coupling. The 3-pole design and 800 V rated insulation voltage suit it for three-phase systems up to 690 V line-to-line.
Integration and mounting
The 3VM1196-3EE32-0AA0 occupies a 70 mm depth, 76.2 mm width, and 130 mm height footprint — compact for a 320 A frame. Front IP40 protection means it's suited for enclosed panel mounting where tools or fingers won't contact live parts. No undervoltage release, no ground-fault monitoring, no communication function — it's a straight line-protection breaker, not a multifunction device. Rated for -25 °C to 70 °C operating ambient; derate from 16 A at 40–55 °C down to 15 A at 60–70 °C.