What it is and what it does
The Siemens 3VA1116-4EF42-0AA0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed for line protection in distribution panels and industrial switchboards. It carries a continuous rating of 160 A at 40 °C ambient, with a 4-pole configuration for three-phase plus neutral switching. The TM240 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release handles overloads and short-circuits without external control power — a self-contained trip unit that needs no auxiliary supply. Breaking capacity reaches 121 kA at 240 V AC, dropping to 75.6 kA at 415 V and 52.5 kA at 440 V — sufficient for high-fault installations downstream of large transformers.
Where it fits — panel and enclosure
The 101.6 mm width (4 in) and 70 mm depth (2.76 in) suit standard MCCB mounting footprints in distribution boards. Front IP40 protection keeps dust and tools out of the mechanism in a closed panel. Maximum power dissipation is 38 W at full load — factor that into enclosure thermal calculations if the panel is densely packed.
Thermal derating and operating range
Rated current holds at 160 A from 40 °C up to 50 °C, then derates to 158 A at 55 °C, 155 A at 60 °C, 153 A at 65 °C, and 150 A at 70 °C. The operating ambient range is -25 °C to +70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to +80 °C.