Line protection MCCB with 160 A continuous rating and high interrupting capacity
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1116-4EF32-0HH0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed for line protection in distribution panels. It carries 160 A continuously at 40 °C ambient and derates to 150 A at 70 °C — the full thermal curve is on record, so you can size it for a warm cabinet without guessing. The interrupting capacity hits 121 kA at 240 V AC and 75.6 kA at 415 V AC, which means it clears high-fault conditions on the secondary side of a large transformer or at a service entrance without cascading upstream breakers.
Breaking capacity across voltage levels
Rated breaking capacity is specified at five voltage points: 121 kA at 240 V, 75.6 kA at 415 V, 52.5 kA at 440 V, and 11.9 kA at both 500 V and 690 V. The 415 V figure is the one to watch for European 400 V networks — 75.6 kA covers most industrial transformer ratings up to 2 MVA. At 690 V the 11.9 kA limit still handles motor branch circuits but not main feeders.
Integrated auxiliary switches and shunt trip
This MCCB ships with two auxiliary switches plus one trip alarm switch (HQ) factory-fitted, and a shunt trip (STL) for remote opening. That saves panel space and wiring time compared to adding them as field-installed accessories. The auxiliary switches report breaker position to a PLC or status lamp; the shunt trip lets an emergency-stop circuit or fire-alarm relay kill power without a separate contactor.
Thermal derating and power loss
Rated current holds at 160 A from 40 °C through 50 °C, then steps down: 158 A at 55 °C, 155 A at 60 °C, 153 A at 65 °C, and 150 A at 70 °C. Maximum power dissipation is 38 W — relevant for enclosure heat calculations when grouping several breakers in a sealed panel. The insulation voltage is rated 800 V, so the breaker can be used in 690 V systems with appropriate clearance.