Rated for 40 A, B curve, 6 kA — what that means for the panel
The Siemens 5SL6340-6 is a 3-pole SENTRON miniature circuit breaker rated 40 A with a B tripping characteristic, breaking 6 kA at 400 V AC per both EN 60898 and IEC 60947-2. Overvoltage category III (distribution-level) and pollution degree 2 confirm it is intended for fixed installation inside a distribution board, not on the factory floor.
Fit, footprint, and integration into the enclosure
Mounting position is unrestricted — can be installed sideways or upside down in a tight enclosure without derating the 40 A rating. IP20 with connected conductors, so it requires a distribution board cover for touch protection. Sealable, halogen-free, and silicon-free — relevant for clean-room or marine-adjacent builds where outgassing or seal integrity matters.
Power loss and thermal considerations
For a 3-pole breaker at full load, that is 10.2 W total dissipated inside the enclosure — a factor when calculating temperature rise in a densely packed distribution board.
