Line protection MCCB, 160 A, 1-pole
The Siemens 3VA1116-5ED16-0AA0 is a 1-pole SENTRON molded case circuit breaker rated for 160 A continuous current (Iu) with a TM210 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release. It's a line-protection device — meaning it's built for feeder and distribution duty, not motor-starting curves. The 121 kA breaking capacity at 240 V AC handles high-fault points in the panel; at 415 V AC that drops to 9 kA, which still covers most downstream distribution boards. The short-circuit release (Ii) is fixed at 1,600 A — ten times the continuous rating — so it's coordinated for fast clearing on hard faults without nuisance trips on moderate overloads.
Panel fit and thermal constraints
At 25.4 mm wide (1 inch) and 70 mm deep, this breaker takes one standard DIN-rail position. The front face carries an IP40 rating — fine for a closed panel, but don't expect washdown survival if it's mounted exposed. The thermal derating curve is worth checking before you lock the BOM: full 160 A is good up to 50 °C, then it steps down to 158 A at 55 °C, 155 A at 60 °C, 153 A at 65 °C, and 150 A at 70 °C. If your enclosure runs hot or you're stacking breakers tight, that derating eats into your headroom. Maximum power loss is 12.67 W — negligible for a single unit, but add it up across a multi-breaker panel.
DC capability and environmental limits
The maximum rated DC operational voltage is 125 V — relevant if you're using it in a DC distribution bus or a battery-backed circuit. Storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C; operating range is -25 °C to 70 °C. The insulation voltage (Ui) is rated at 500 V, so it's comfortable in standard 480 V AC panels.