What it is and what it does
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1116-4EF36-0AF0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for line protection — the primary role is protecting cables and busbars from overload and short-circuit in distribution panels, not motor starting duty. It carries a TM240 thermal-magnetic release, meaning the thermal element is fixed at 160 A (the frame rating) and the magnetic pickup is adjustable up to 240 A for short-circuit protection — a common choice for feeder circuits where you want to coordinate with downstream breakers.
Breaking capacity — what the numbers mean for your fault level
This MCCB is rated for 121 kA at 240 V AC, 75.6 kA at 415 V, 52.5 kA at 440 V, and 11.9 kA at both 500 V and 690 V. Those are the interrupting capacities at each voltage — the breaker can safely clear a fault up to that level without welding contacts or venting plasma. If your available fault current at the panel exceeds these numbers, you need a higher-rated frame or a current-limiting upstream device.
Thermal derating — the real current you can run
The 160 A rating holds flat from 40 °C to 50 °C ambient. At 55 °C it derates to 158 A, at 60 °C to 155 A, at 65 °C to 153 A, and at 70 °C to 150 A. If your panel runs hot — say a non-ventilated enclosure near a furnace line — plan for the 150 A floor at 70 °C. The maximum operating temperature is 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C.
Physical fit and auxiliary wiring
Dimensions are 130 mm high, 76.2 mm wide, 70 mm deep — a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint that fits most DIN-rail or panel-mount enclosures without surprises. The auxiliary switch block is factory-fitted as 1 auxiliary switch + 1 trip alarm switch (HQ type), so you get a signal contact for remote status and a separate alarm contact that closes only on a trip event. No undervoltage release or shunt trip is included; those are add-on accessories if needed.