160 A, 4-pole MCCB with TM220 release — what the ratings mean for your panel
The Siemens 3VA1116-3EE42-0AA0 is a 4-pole SENTRON molded case circuit breaker rated for 160 A continuous current at 40 °C, with a TM220 thermal-magnetic trip unit. That 160 A holds steady through 50 °C; at 55 °C it derates to 158 A, and at 70 °C it still carries 150 A — so in a warm enclosure you lose only about 6% of the rating. The 4-pole construction means it switches all three phases plus neutral, which is what you need for a 3-phase 4-wire distribution or a generator feed where the neutral must be protected. Breaking capacity runs 75.6 kA at 240 V, 52.5 kA at 415 V, 32 kA at 440 V, and 11.9 kA at 500 V and 690 V. That 75.6 kA at 240 V covers high-fault transformer secondaries and large motor control centers; the 52.5 kA at 415 V handles most European industrial distribution without needing a current-limiting upstream breaker. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V, and max DC operational voltage is 600 V — so it works in DC bus applications too. The TM220 release is a fixed thermal-magnetic design — no interchangeable rating plugs, no electronic adjustment. That makes it a straightforward line-protection breaker for fixed-load feeders where you don't need LSIG or ground-fault options. The front face carries IP40 protection, enough for a clean indoor panel; no communication module, no ground-fault monitoring built in.
Panel fit and mounting
Dimensions are 130 mm high, 101.6 mm wide, 70 mm deep — a standard 4-pole MCCB footprint for a 160 A frame. It mounts on a DIN rail or can be screw-fixed to a backplate. The 70 mm depth leaves clearance for wiring behind the breaker in a 200 mm deep enclosure. An optional motor drive (listed as available) allows remote tripping or re-closing. Max power loss is 38 W at rated load, so plan for that heat in the enclosure — it's not a sealed-breaker application. Storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C; operating range is -25 °C to 70 °C.