160 A SENTRON MCCB with TM240 release
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1116-3EF32-0AC0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 160 A continuous current (Iu) at 40 °C ambient, with a TM240 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release. It is designed for line protection in distribution panels and motor control centers, carrying a breaking capacity of 75.6 kA at 240 V AC and 52.5 kA at 415 V AC — enough to handle high-fault utility feeds without cascading upstream. The TM240 release is a fixed thermal-magnetic trip unit; the thermal element adjusts via a front dial (tr max 1 s at rated current), while the magnetic pickup is factory-set. No undervoltage release, no shunt trip, no ground-fault module — this is a straight line-protection breaker for standard overcurrent and short-circuit duty. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V, with a mechanical endurance of 15,000 operations. The front face carries IP40 protection — suitable for enclosed panel mounting, not for washdown or outdoor exposure without an additional enclosure.
Breaking capacity across voltages
This breaker's interrupting rating drops as system voltage rises: 75.6 kA at 240 V, 52.5 kA at 415 V, 32 kA at 440 V, and 10.5 kA at 690 V. For a 480 V panel fed from a transformer with a 40 kA available fault current, the 415 V figure (52.5 kA) is the relevant benchmark — it provides headroom. At 690 V the 10.5 kA rating limits use to lower-fault industrial grids. The 70 mm depth and 76.2 mm width fit standard SENTRON 3VA panel cutouts and busbar systems. Two auxiliary switches (HQ type) are built in for remote status indication — no add-on module required.
Thermal derating and operating range
Rated 160 A from 40 °C to 50 °C ambient. Above 50 °C the continuous current derates: 153.6 A at 55 °C, 150.4 A at 60 °C, 147.2 A at 65 °C, and 144 A at 70 °C. The operating ambient range is -25 °C to +70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to +80 °C. If the panel ambient runs above 50 °C, factor the derating into the load schedule.