What this breaker does and what the ratings mean
The Siemens 3VA1116-3ED42-0KA0 is a 4-pole IEC frame 160 molded case circuit breaker rated for 160 A continuous current. Its headline rating is the 25 kA breaking capacity at 415 V (class N), which means it can safely interrupt a bolted fault up to 25,000 A at that voltage without welding the contacts or rupturing the case — critical for selectivity in a distribution panel where the upstream transformer can deliver that level of fault current. The thermal-magnetic trip unit is fixed: overload protection (Ir) is set at 160 A, and short-circuit protection (Ii) is fixed at 10× In, or 1600 A. That fixed 10× multiplier means the magnetic trip responds to instantaneous currents above 1600 A; for applications needing a lower pickup (like motor starting inrush), a different trip unit or frame would be needed.
Integration and accessory note
The breaker includes a factory-fitted shunt trip on the left side, rated for 208–277 V AC (50/60 Hz) and 220–250 V DC. That shunt allows remote tripping from an emergency-stop circuit or a PLC output. The N conductor is unprotected (solid neutral), which is standard for a 4-pole breaker used in a TN or TT system where the neutral is not switched. The nut keeper kit on the terminals simplifies panel wiring — the nut stays captive during bus-bar installation.