What this MCCB delivers — and what it doesn't
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1116-3EF36-0DC0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 160 A continuous current (Iu) at 40 °C, with a TM240 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release. It carries a breaking capacity of 75.6 kA at 240 V, 52.5 kA at 415 V, and 32 kA at 440 V — figures that define its fault-interruption ceiling for line protection duty. The 800 V rated insulation voltage (Ui) gives headroom for 480 V and 600 V class systems. No communication module, no ground-fault monitoring, no phase-failure detection: this is a straight line-protection MCCB, not a multifunction power monitor.
Thermal derating and real-world current
The 160 A rating holds flat from 40 °C to 50 °C. Above that, it steps down: 153.6 A at 55 °C, 150.4 A at 60 °C, 147.2 A at 65 °C, and 144 A at 70 °C. If the panel ambient runs hot — say, a sealed enclosure near a furnace line — the 70 °C figure is the one to size against. The operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage spans -40 °C to 80 °C.
Built-in undervoltage release and auxiliary contacts
This MCCB ships with an undervoltage release (UVR) as standard — it trips the breaker when line voltage drops below a set threshold, protecting downstream loads from brownout damage. The auxiliary contact version is two HQ (high-qualified) switches, rated for signaling the breaker state to a PLC or status lamp. The integrated auxiliary trip is order code 3VA9608-0BB25. Latching endurance is 15,000 cycles.
Panel fit and footprint
Dimensions are 130 mm height, 76.2 mm width, 70 mm depth. The 76.2 mm width is a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint — it occupies three 25.4 mm modular spaces on a DIN rail or panel-mount base. Front protection is IP40, meaning tools and fingers are kept out, but the enclosure must shield the sides and rear from dust and moisture.