What this MCCB is and where it fits
The Siemens 3VA1116-3EE46-0AA0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) in the line protection version, rated 160 A continuous with four poles and a TM220 thermal-magnetic release. It's designed for main or feeder protection in distribution panels, switchboards, and motor control centers where you need adjustable overload and fixed short-circuit protection. The 4-pole configuration suits three-phase systems with a fully switched neutral — common in IT or TN-S networks where isolating all live conductors is required.
Breaking capacity — what the numbers mean for your system
This MCCB carries a breaking capacity of 75.6 kA at 240 V, 52.5 kA at 415 V, 32 kA at 440 V, and 11.9 kA at both 500 V and 690 V. Those are the maximum fault currents it can safely interrupt at each voltage level — critical for verifying SCCR compliance with the upstream transformer or generator. At 415 V, the 52.5 kA rating covers most industrial distribution boards fed by a 1 MVA-class transformer; at 690 V the 11.9 kA figure is typical for mining or marine applications where the available fault current is lower but the system voltage is higher. The 75.6 kA at 240 V is relevant for 240 V delta or split-phase services where fault currents can be very high close to the service entrance.
Thermal derating and operating limits
The 160 A rating holds up to 50 °C ambient; above that it derates to 158 A at 55 °C, 155 A at 60 °C, 153 A at 65 °C, and 150 A at 70 °C. If your panel internal ambient runs hot — say a sealed enclosure near a furnace line — you need to account for that drop. The operating temperature range is -25 °C to +70 °C, with storage from -40 °C to +80 °C. Maximum power loss is 38 W, which matters for thermal budgeting in a compact enclosure with multiple breakers ganged together.
Dimensions, mounting, and panel fit
At 130 mm high, 101.6 mm wide, and 70 mm deep, this 4-pole MCCB fits standard SENTRON 3VA panel cutouts and busbar systems. The 101.6 mm width (4 inches) is the same footprint as other 4-pole 3VA frames in the 160 A class, so a panel laid out for a 3VA1110 or 3VA1112 will accept this unit without re-drilling. IP40 on the front means it's protected against tools and wires >1 mm — fine for enclosed distribution boards, but not for washdown areas. The optional motor drive (Product Extension / Optional / Motor Drive: Yes) allows remote motorized operation for SCADA or remote trip/reset schemes.
Key ratings at a glance
Rated uninterrupted current Iu: 160 A. Number of poles: 4. Overcurrent release design: TM220 (thermal-magnetic, adjustable thermal, fixed magnetic). Adjustable response value current Ii max: 1,600 A. Rated insulation voltage Ui: 800 V. Max rated operational voltage Ue with DC: 600 V. Communication function: No. Ground-fault monitoring: Without. Design of N-conductor protection: Without. Reference code per IEC 81346-2: Q.