What this MCCB carries — and what it means on the line
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1116-3EF36-0BA0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated 160 A at 40 °C, with a TM240 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release and an integrated undervoltage release (UVR). The 75.6 kA breaking capacity at 240 V AC gives you headroom for high-fault utility feeds or transformer secondaries — you can place this upstream without worrying about cascading failure through downstream gear. At 415 V it still interrupts 52.5 kA, so it handles industrial distribution panels where the service entrance is 400 V class. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V, meaning the internal clearances and creepage are designed for 690 V systems without derating the isolation. The TM240 release is thermal-magnetic — thermal for overload protection, magnetic for short-circuit — no electronic adjustments, no communication module, just a straightforward line-protection device that doesn't need commissioning software.
Dimensions and panel fit
The breaker measures 130 mm high, 76.2 mm wide, and 70 mm deep — a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint that fits SENTRON distribution boards and most DIN-rail adapter plates. The 70 mm depth is the body only; allow clearance for the UVR coil and outgoing cable bends. Width matches the 3VA1 family, so if you're replacing a 3VA1112 or 3VA1110 in the same panel, the busbar and mounting holes align without re-drilling.
What the undervoltage release changes
The -0BA0 suffix signals the factory-fitted undervoltage release (UVR). When control voltage drops below the dropout threshold, the UVR trips the breaker open — standard for emergency-stop circuits, safety interlocks, or any application where loss of control power should disconnect the load. The UVR is a separate auxiliary release, not part of the TM240 overcurrent trip; it operates independently on the shunt mechanism.
Thermal derating — real-world current
The 160 A rating holds from 40 °C through 50 °C. At 55 °C it derates to 158 A, at 60 °C to 155 A, at 65 °C to 153 A, and at 70 °C to 150 A. If your panel ambient runs hot — say, a non-ventilated enclosure near a furnace line — you lose about 6% of capacity at the top end. The TM240 release still responds correctly; the thermal element just sees a higher ambient.