Siemens 3VA1116-3FF46-0AA0 — 160 A 4-Pole MCCB for Line Protection
The Siemens 3VA1116-3FF46-0AA0 is a SENTRON 4-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for line protection, carrying a continuous current Iu of 160 A at 40 °C with a TM240 thermal-magnetic release. Its interrupting capacity reaches 75.6 kA at 240 V, 52.5 kA at 415 V, and 32 kA at 440 V — numbers that tell you this breaker handles high-fault utility feeds or large transformer secondaries without cascading upstream. The 4-pole configuration (3 phases + switched neutral at 50% N protection) makes it suitable for three-phase systems where neutral isolation is required, common in European-style distribution panels. Rated insulation voltage Ui is 800 V, and the maximum operational voltage with DC reaches 600 V, so this breaker also works in DC bus applications within those limits. Front protection is IP40 — fine for enclosed panel mounting where no washdown or dust ingress is expected. Power loss at full load is 38 W, a figure to factor into panel thermal calculations if the enclosure is densely packed.
Breaking Capacity Across Voltages — Selectivity Planning
The 3VA1116-3FF46-0AA0's breaking capacity drops from 75.6 kA at 240 V to 52.5 kA at 415 V, then to 32 kA at 440 V, and further to 11.9 kA at both 500 V and 690 V. For a site electrical engineer coordinating with upstream feeders, the 415 V figure (52.5 kA) is the one that typically governs in European 400 V networks — it gives you headroom for most industrial transformer ratings up to 2 MVA. At 690 V, the 11.9 kA limit means this breaker is not the right choice for high-fault 690 V drives or mining substations; step up to a higher-rated 3VA frame for those.
Thermal Derating — Continuous Current vs Ambient
The breaker holds 160 A continuously from 40 °C through 50 °C, then derates gradually: 158 A at 55 °C, 155 A at 60 °C, 153 A at 65 °C, and 150 A at 70 °C. For a panel OEM packing breakers into a non-ventilated enclosure, that 150 A floor at 70 °C is the safe number to use for the BOM line — the breaker won't nuisance-trip even if internal ambient rises near its operating maximum of 70 °C. Storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C, so it tolerates warehouse extremes without damage.
Panel Fit and Integration
Dimensions: 130 mm height, 101.6 mm width, 70 mm depth. The 70 mm depth is relatively shallow for a 160 A 4-pole MCCB — it fits into compact 400 mm deep enclosures where deeper breakers would force a wider gland plate or a deeper box. Width of 101.6 mm (4 inches) is standard for a 4-pole frame; it occupies four 25 mm module spaces on a DIN rail if using an adapter, though the 3VA series typically bolts directly to a mounting plate. An optional motor drive is available (Product Extension / Optional / Motor Drive = Yes) for remote trip or reclose applications.