What this MCCB is and where it lands
The Siemens 3VA1116-5ED32-0AC0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) for line protection, rated 160 A continuous current with a TM210 thermal-magnetic release. Three-pole, no undervoltage release, no ground-fault monitoring — a straight feeder or distribution breaker for a 160 A bus. The 187 kA interrupting rating at 240 V means it handles high-fault-current utility feeds without cascading upstream; at 415 V it still breaks 121 kA, and at 690 V it holds 17 kA. That SCCR headroom matters when the transformer is close to the panel. Rated insulation voltage Ui is 800 V, so it's comfortable on 480/277 V or 600 V systems with margin. The 160 A rating holds flat from 40 °C to 50 °C, then derates to 144 A at 70 °C — a panel in a hot mechanical room loses about 10 % of capacity. Front protection is IP40, meaning tools and fingers stay out, but it's not sealed against hose-down; mount it inside a panel.
Dimensions and panel fit
Width 76.2 mm, depth 70 mm, height 130 mm. That 76.2 mm width is three 25.4 mm pole spaces — standard for a 3-pole MCCB on a DIN rail or bolted to a backplate. Depth of 70 mm means it clears most shallow enclosures; verify the door clearance if the breaker is mounted near the cover.
Auxiliary contacts and release options
Comes with 2 auxiliary switches (HQ type) for status feedback to a PLC or annunciator. No undervoltage release, no shunt trip, no communication module — this is a basic line-protection breaker. The TM210 release has an adjustable long-time pickup and a fixed magnetic trip; the tr max is 1 second at the rated multiple.
Environmental range
Operates from -25 °C to 70 °C; stores from -40 °C to 80 °C. The storage range covers cold warehouses and hot shipping containers. Latching endurance is 15 000 cycles — typical for a distribution breaker that sees infrequent switching.