Siemens 3VA1116-5ED32-0KC0 — 160 A SENTRON MCCB for Line Protection
The Siemens 3VA1116-5ED32-0KC0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 160 A continuous at 40 °C through 50 °C, with a 3-pole configuration and a maximum breaking capacity of 187 kA at 240 V. This is a line-protection design — meaning it's intended for feeder and main breaker duty in distribution panels, not motor-starting or soft-start applications. The 187 kA interrupting rating at 240 V gives substantial SCCR headroom for high-fault installations; at 415 V it still holds 121 kA, and at 690 V it's rated 17 kA. The breaker includes a shunt trip release (STL) for remote tripping, and two auxiliary switches (HQ) for status feedback to a PLC or annunciator panel. The insulation voltage is rated 800 V, so it's suitable for 480/277 V and 600 V systems with margin. Max power loss is 38 W at rated load — relevant for panel thermal budgeting in a sealed enclosure.
Breaking Capacity and Thermal Derating — What the Ratings Mean for Your Panel
The 187 kA at 240 V is the highest short-circuit current this breaker can safely interrupt without welding contacts or rupturing the case. Below that, at 415 V it's 121 kA, at 440 V it's 75.6 kA, and at 500 V and 690 V it drops to 17 kA. These are symmetrical RMS values per IEC 60947-2. For a 480 V panel with a 65 kA available fault current, this breaker has headroom; for a 690 V wind-turbine application, the 17 kA rating may be the limiting factor. Thermal derating is minimal in the 40–50 °C band — it holds 160 A flat. At 55 °C it's 158 A, at 60 °C it's 155 A, at 65 °C it's 153 A, and at 70 °C it's 150 A. The operating ambient range is -25 °C to 70 °C, storage from -40 °C to 80 °C. If the panel ambient runs above 50 °C, the breaker must be derated per these values; a 160 A load at 70 °C ambient would require a larger frame or forced cooling.
Physical Fit and Panel Integration
Dimensions: 130 mm height, 76.2 mm width, 70 mm depth. The 3-pole width of 76.2 mm (3 inches) is standard for a 160 A frame MCCB — it mounts on a DIN rail or panel-mount base. The 70 mm depth is shallow enough for most 200 mm deep enclosures. The shunt trip and auxiliary switches are factory-installed; no field wiring of add-on modules is needed.