The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1116-3EF36-0JC0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated 160 A at 40 °C, with a maximum interrupting capacity of 75.6 kA at 240 V. It's built for line protection in distribution panels, sized to handle feeder or large branch circuits where high fault current is a concern — that 75.6 kA at 240 V means it can safely clear a bolted fault on a 240 V secondary without upstream fuses needing to open first.
Ratings and what they mean for fit
The 160 A continuous rating holds across 40 °C to 50 °C without derating, then drops gradually to 150 A at 70 °C. That's a thermal curve you can use directly in a 40 °C panel without a correction factor — if your enclosure runs hotter, the 70 °C derated figure (150 A) is the one to size against. The interrupting ratings step down with voltage: 75.6 kA at 240 V, 52.5 kA at 415 V, 32 kA at 440 V, and 11.9 kA at 500 V and 690 V. For a 480 V panel, you're looking at roughly 32 kA SCCR — enough for most industrial services, but verify against your transformer size. Insulation voltage is rated 800 V, so the breaker is suitable for 690 V systems with margin. Power loss at full load is 38 W — that's the heat you need to vent from the enclosure; plan for it in the thermal budget.
Physical fit and integration
Dimensions are 130 mm height, 76.2 mm width, 70 mm depth — a standard MCCB footprint that mounts directly onto a DIN rail or panel-mount adapter. The 3-pole width (76.2 mm) matches the common 3-module spacing in SENTRON distribution boards. It ships with a shunt trip (STL) and two HQ auxiliary switches pre-installed, so you don't need to order those separately for remote tripping or status feedback.