160 A MCCB with TM240 release — panel fit and breaking performance
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1116-3EF32-0AA0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated 160 A at 40 °C, designed for line protection in distribution panels. Its TM240 thermal-magnetic release handles overloads and short circuits without an external trip unit — a common choice for fixed-load feeder circuits where adjustable electronic trip isn't required. Breaking capacity runs 75.6 kA at 240 V, 52.5 kA at 415 V, and 32 kA at 440 V, so it can interrupt high-fault currents on secondary-side transformers or bus risers without cascading upstream. At 690 V it still holds 11.9 kA — enough for most industrial line-to-line faults in 400 V class systems. Dimensions are 130 mm high, 76.2 mm wide, 70 mm deep — a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint that fits SENTRON mounting plates and most DIN-rail adapter kits. IP40 on the front means it's protected against solid objects over 1 mm but not sealed against moisture; keep it inside a rated enclosure.
Thermal derating and power loss
The breaker carries 160 A continuously at 40 °C ambient and holds that rating through 50 °C. Above that it derates gradually: 158 A at 55 °C, 155 A at 60 °C, 153 A at 65 °C, and 150 A at 70 °C. If your panel ambient runs hot — near a transformer or in a poorly vented enclosure — size the feeder for the derated figure, not the nameplate 160 A. Maximum power loss is 38 W at rated load. That's moderate for a 160 A frame; factor it into enclosure thermal calculations if you're stacking multiple breakers in a confined space.