What this MCCB is and what it carries
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1116-4EF36-0HC0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated 160 A continuous at 40 °C, designed for line protection in distribution panels. It is a current-production part (lifecycle stage: current). Interrupting capacity runs 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 — so the SCCR headroom is highest on lower-voltage services and drops off sharply above 500 V. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V, giving you coordination margin in 690 V systems. Maximum power loss is 38 W; factor that into enclosure ventilation if the panel is densely populated.
Thermal derating — what the 160 A rating actually means in a warm panel
The 160 A rating holds flat from 40 °C through 50 °C. Above that it steps down: 158 A at 55 °C, 155 A at 60 °C, 153 A at 65 °C, and 150 A at 70 °C. If your panel ambient runs 55 °C or higher, size the upstream feeder for the derated value, not the nameplate 160 A. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C. The storage limit governs handling and warehousing, not running conditions.
Built-in accessories — shunt trip and auxiliary switches
This variant ships with a shunt trip (STL) for remote tripping and two HQ auxiliary switches for status feedback to a PLC or annunciator panel. No undervoltage release or ground-fault module is included. The basic switch module is order code 3VA11164EF360AA0 — useful if you ever need to order the bare switch separately for a replacement.
Panel footprint and mounting
Dimensions are 130 mm height, 76.2 mm width, 70 mm depth. The 3-pole width is standard for a 160 A frame MCCB; it occupies one 76.2 mm slot on a DIN rail or panel-mount base. No communication function or trip indicator is fitted on this variant — it is a straightforward line-protection breaker with remote trip capability via the shunt release.