160 A MCCB for line protection — thermal-magnetic trip, 3-pole
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1116-3EF32-0AE0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for line protection, carrying a continuous current of 160 A at 40 °C and interrupting up to 75.6 kA at 240 V AC. The TM240 thermal-magnetic release handles overload and short-circuit protection without a separate trip unit — a fixed-trip design suited for distribution panels where you don't need interchangeable trip blocks. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V, so it's comfortable on 480 V and 600 V class systems. The interrupting curve drops to 52.5 kA at 415 V and 32 kA at 440 V — still substantial for most industrial service entrances and sub-feeders. This is a line-protection device (not a motor-protective breaker), meaning it's sized for cable and busbar protection in switchboards, panelboards, and downstream distribution. No undervoltage release, no ground-fault monitoring, no communication module — it's a straightforward thermal-magnetic MCCB for the main feed or a large branch.
Thermal derating and power loss
The 160 A rating holds flat from 40 °C through 50 °C. At 55 °C it derates to 158 A, at 65 °C to 153 A, and at 70 °C to 150 A. Maximum power loss is 38 W — relevant for enclosure heat calculations when grouping multiple breakers in a sealed panel. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C. The storage limit governs handling and warehousing, not running conditions.
Mounting dimensions and auxiliary switch configuration
Width is 76.2 mm (3 in), depth is 70 mm (2.76 in), height is 130 mm (5.12 in). This is a standard SENTRON 3VA frame size. Comes equipped with 4 auxiliary switches (HQ design) factory-installed. No trip indicator, no undervoltage release, no voltage trigger. The auxiliary switch count is generous for status feedback to a PLC or alarm annunciator.