160 A MCCB with 75.6 kA interrupting rating — what the numbers mean for your panel
The Siemens 3VA1116-3EF32-0DH0 is a 3-pole SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for line protection, carrying a continuous current of 160 A at 40 °C and an interrupting capacity of 75.6 kA at 240 V AC. That 75.6 kA figure is the SCCR the breaker can safely clear under fault — critical for ensuring the downstream panel gear is coordinated and the arc flash incident energy stays within the equipment rating. At 415 V the interrupting rating drops to 52.5 kA, at 440 V to 32 kA, and at 500 V / 690 V to 11.9 kA, so the voltage you're switching governs the available fault current the breaker can handle.
Thermal derating and ambient temperature
The 160 A rating holds flat from 40 °C through 50 °C. Above that the breaker derates: 158 A at 55 °C, 155 A at 60 °C, 153 A at 65 °C, and 150 A at 70 °C. If the panel ambient runs hot — say a non-ventilated enclosure near a furnace line — the continuous load must be trimmed to the derated value, not the nameplate 160 A. The maximum power loss is 40.5 W, which factors into enclosure thermal calculations.
Built-in undervoltage release and auxiliary switching
This variant ships with an undervoltage release (UVR) — if the control voltage drops below the dropout threshold, the breaker trips, which is standard for emergency-stop or mains-monitoring circuits where a loss of supply must open the load. It also includes two auxiliary switches plus a separate trip alarm switch (HQ), giving status feedback for PLC or SCADA inputs without an external interposing relay. The auxiliary switch design is listed as 2 auxiliary switches + 1 trip alarm switch HQ.
Physical fit and panel integration
The breaker measures 76.2 mm wide, 130 mm high, and 70 mm deep. That 76.2 mm width is three 25.4 mm pole spaces — standard for a 3-pole MCCB on DIN rail or direct-mount backplate. The 70 mm depth means it clears most shallow gland-plate enclosures, but verify the door clearance if a rotary handle or extended shaft is fitted. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C.