What this MCCB carries and where it fits
The Siemens 3VA1116-5EE32-0KH0 is a 3-pole SENTRON molded case circuit breaker rated for a continuous current of 160 A at up to 50 °C, with a TM220 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release. Its interrupting capacity hits 187 kA at 240 V and 121 kA at 415 V, which means it handles high-fault scenarios common in industrial distribution panels without cascading upstream. The line protection variant (no ground fault monitoring, no communication module) keeps it a straightforward main or feeder breaker for motor control centers or switchboards. Dimensions are 130 mm high, 76.2 mm wide, and 70 mm deep — a compact footprint for a 160 A frame. The front face carries IP40 protection, suitable for enclosed panel mounting where splash or tool ingress is minimal. An integrated shunt trip (STL) is included for remote tripping, and the auxiliary contact configuration provides 2 auxiliary switches plus 1 trip alarm switch (HQ type) for status feedback to a PLC or annunciator.
Thermal derating and operating range
Rated continuous current holds at 160 A from 40 °C through 50 °C ambient. Above that, derating begins: 153.6 A at 55 °C, 150.4 A at 60 °C, 147.2 A at 65 °C, and 144 A at 70 °C. For a panel builder stuffing this into a warm enclosure, the 55 °C derating is the first inflection point to budget for. Operating ambient range spans -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range extends from -40 °C to 80 °C.
What the TM220 release means for selection
The TM220 designation indicates a thermal-magnetic release with a fixed thermal pickup at 160 A (the frame rating) and an adjustable magnetic short-circuit pickup. For line protection duty, this breaker is sized to protect cable and busbar against overload and short-circuit, not a specific motor load — no phase failure detection or undervoltage release is fitted. The 800 V rated insulation voltage (Ui) supports 690 V line-to-line systems, with interrupting capacity at 690 V dropping to 17 kA.