What it is and what the ratings mean
The Siemens 3VA1110-6MH36-0AE0 is a 3-pole IEC molded-case circuit breaker from the 3VA1 series, built on a 160 A frame but fitted with a TM120M thermal-magnetic trip unit rated 100 A continuous. The 'H' breaking capacity class delivers an Icu of 70 kA at 415 V AC — that is the maximum fault current it can safely interrupt without damage, sized for high-fault industrial distribution panels where the available short-circuit current exceeds 50 kA. The description notes 'starter protection TM120M, AM' and explicitly states 'without overload protection'. This means the TM120M trip provides only short-circuit protection (magnetic trip adjustable Ii=5...15 x In), with no thermal overload element active. It is intended for use upstream of a separate motor starter or soft starter that handles the overload function — common in IEC motor control centers where the breaker acts as a disconnecting means and short-circuit protector, not the overload relay. The clamp connection (box lug) terminal style accepts copper or aluminum conductors up to the rated wire range, typical for panel-mount installations where ring or fork terminals are not used. Four integrated auxiliary switches (HQ) provide status feedback for the open/closed/tripped positions — enough for remote indication and interlocking without adding external switch modules.
Where it fits and lifecycle reality
This breaker mounts on a DIN rail or directly to a panel backplate via the 3VA1 mounting accessories. The 160 A frame means the physical footprint is the same as other 3VA1 frame-160 breakers up to 160 A, so it can be swapped into an existing panel without re-drilling or re-bussing — provided the line and load conductors are sized for 100 A.
Sourcing and procurement posture
Sourced and quoted to order against an RFQ through independent distribution. Availability and current pricing are confirmed at quote time. Because the lifecycle is current, there is no urgency to buy ahead of a phase-out — but for a critical BOM line, locking in a multi-year blanket order ensures continuity and protects against supply-chain volatility.