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. Front protection is IP40 — fine for enclosed panel mounting where no washdown or dust ingress is expected.
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.
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.