160 A MCCB with TM240 release — line protection for distribution panels
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1116-3EF36-0JA0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 160 A continuous current (Iu) at 40 °C, with the TM240 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release. The TM240 designation means the thermal trip element is calibrated for a 240 A frame, but the breaker's continuous rating is set at 160 A — so the trip curve starts its thermal bend above 160 A, not 240 A. This is a line protection version, meaning it's intended for feeder and main distribution duty, not motor branch-circuit protection where a separate overload relay would be required. Breaking capacity is specified at four voltage levels: 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 160 A frame, the 52.5 kA at 415 V is the figure that governs most 400 V-class industrial distribution panels — it tells you the breaker can safely interrupt a fault up to that current without welding contacts or venting arc gas into the enclosure. The 690 V rating (10.5 kA) covers the less common 690 V line-to-line systems found in mining or marine installations.
At 55 °C it derates to 153.6 A, at 60 °C to 150.4 A, at 65 °C to 147.2 A, and at 70 °C to 144 A (–).
The 76.2 mm width (3 inches) is the standard 3-pole MCCB footprint for this current class — it fits the same panel cutout as other 160 A 3-pole SENTRON breakers.