What it is and what it does
The Siemens 3VA1116-5EE32-0AC0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for line protection — the primary overcurrent and short-circuit protection device in a distribution panel or motor control center. It carries a continuous current of 160 A at 40 °C, holds that rating through 50 °C, then derates to 144 A at 70 °C. The interrupting capacity is the headline number: 187 kA at 240 V AC, 121 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at 690 V. That means it can safely clear a fault up to 187 kA at 240 V without rupturing or cascading upstream — critical for high-fault installations like transformer secondaries or large industrial services.
Key ratings and what they mean for fit
The 160 A frame with a TM220 thermal-magnetic release means the thermal element responds to sustained overloads (inverse-time curve), while the magnetic instantaneous trip handles short-circuits. The 800 V insulation voltage (Ui) tells you the breaker is rated for 690 V systems with margin. Three poles, no undervoltage release, no shunt trip, no communication module — this is a straight thermal-magnetic breaker, not a power-management device. The IP40 front protection means it's suitable for dry indoor panels; no washdown rating. Two built-in HQ auxiliary switches (form C) give you status feedback for PLC or pilot-light indication without adding a separate accessory block.
Mounting and integration
The breaker measures 130 mm high, 76.2 mm wide, and 70 mm deep. That 76.2 mm width (3-inch pitch) is the standard for 3-pole MCCBs in North American panelboards — it drops into a 3-pole mounting cradle without adapters. The 70 mm depth means it fits flush in most 200 mm-deep enclosures with room for rear bus connections. Panel builders: the 160 A rating at 50 °C means you can load it to 160 A in a 50 °C ambient without derating; above that, use the derating curve down to 144 A at 70 °C.