What this MCCB is and what it does
The Siemens 3VA1116-3EF36-0KA0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for line protection — meaning it guards cable and busbar systems against overload and short-circuit, not motor or generator circuits. It carries a rated continuous current (Iu) of 160 A, with a TM240 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release that handles the overload curve and instantaneous magnetic trip. The 3-pole design fits three-phase distribution panels where the neutral is protected separately or left unprotected.
Interrupting capacity — what the voltage ratings mean for your fault level
This MCCB's interrupting capacity varies sharply with system voltage, and the right column for your installation is the one that matches your fault current study. At 240 V it breaks 75.6 kA; at 415 V it's 52.5 kA; at 440 V it drops to 32 kA; and at 690 V it's 10.5 kA. For a 400 V panel with a prospective short-circuit current of, say, 40 kA, the 52.5 kA rating at 415 V gives comfortable headroom. At 690 V the 10.5 kA limit means this breaker is only suitable for systems with low fault levels — check your coordination study before specifying it on a 690 V bus.
Thermal derating — the real-world current you can run
The 160 A rating holds flat from 40 °C to 50 °C, which covers most ventilated panel environments. Above that, the derating curve is gradual: 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 your panel ambient runs 55 °C inside a non-climate-controlled enclosure, you lose about 4% of the continuous rating — plan your load accordingly. The operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C, with storage from -40 °C to 80 °C.
Physical fit and panel integration
Dimensions are 130 mm height, 76.2 mm width, 70 mm depth — a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint that mounts on a DIN rail or directly to a backplate via the screw terminals. The front face carries an IP40 protection rating, meaning it's protected against tools and wires >1 mm but not against water ingress; keep it inside the enclosure. A shunt trip (STL) is built in for remote tripping; the auxiliary release order code for the integrated trip unit is 3VA9688-0BL33. No auxiliary contact block is fitted as standard.