The Siemens 3VA1116-1AA42-0AF0 is a SENTRON switch disconnector in an MCCB-style housing, rated for 160 A continuous current across four poles. It provides visible isolation for a 3-phase plus neutral circuit without integrated overload or short-circuit protection — it is a disconnecting means, not a circuit breaker. The 160 A frame and 4-pole configuration make it suitable for main incoming isolation or load-break switching in distribution panels where fault protection is handled upstream or by separate devices. Rated operational voltage reaches 690 V AC 50/60 Hz and 600 V DC, covering standard low-voltage industrial supplies. The front terminal accepts busbar connections, which simplifies panel assembly in a switchboard or MCC lineup. Mechanical endurance is rated at 15 000 operating cycles, consistent with switch-disconnector duty for frequent manual or motor-driven operation.
Auxiliary and alarm signalling
This variant ships with one auxiliary switch HQ and one trip alarm switch HQ (two CO contacts total). The trip alarm signals the open/closed state of the main contacts independently of the handle position — useful for remote status indication in a PLC or SCADA input. No undervoltage release or shunt trip is fitted; the auxiliary release slot is empty, so the part is a pure mechanical switch disconnector with position feedback only.
Integration and mounting
The MCCB-style housing measures 70 mm deep × 101.6 mm wide × 130 mm high. The 4-pole width (101.6 mm) matches the standard 4-pole SENTRON 3VA1 frame-160 footprint. Front terminals for busbar connection mean the unit installs directly onto a distribution busbar system without additional adapters. IP40 on the front protects against solid objects >1 mm; the rear and sides are not sealed, so the panel environment must keep the interior clean. A nut keeper kit is included per the description.
Power loss and thermal considerations
Maximum power loss at rated current is 38 W. For a 4-pole 160 A switch disconnector this is within expected range, but the heat must be dissipated inside the enclosure. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to +70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to +80 °C. The 38 W loss figure should be factored into the panel thermal budget, especially if multiple units are ganged in a confined switchboard section.