The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1116-5EF32-0AB0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for line protection at 160 A continuous current (Iu), with a TM240 thermal-magnetic trip unit. It carries a 187 kA breaking capacity at 240 V, stepping down to 121 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at 690 V — figures that govern its fault-interruption capability at each voltage level in the distribution panel.
Ratings and what they mean for panel fit
The 160 A rating holds flat from 40 °C through 50 °C ambient, then derates to 153.6 A at 55 °C, 150.4 A at 60 °C, 147.2 A at 65 °C, and 144 A at 70 °C. That thermal curve means the breaker can carry its full nameplate in a 50 °C panel without upsizing — a common spec for non-climate-controlled enclosures. Above that, the derating is mild enough that most line-side loads still fit within the same frame. Breaking capacity across voltage bands tells you where this MCCB can be applied without cascading upstream: 187 kA at 240 V suits high-fault industrial panels; 121 kA at 415 V covers standard European distribution; 75.6 kA at 440 V and 17 kA at 690 V handle marine or heavy-industrial feeds. The 690 V figure is the one to watch if you're coordinating with a transformer secondary at that voltage — 17 kA is modest but adequate for many motor-control-center applications.
Integration and panel fit
Frame dimensions are 130 mm height, 76.2 mm width, 70 mm depth — a compact 3-pole footprint for DIN-rail or screw-mount panel integration. IP40 on the front means it's protected against tools and wires >1 mm, suitable for enclosed distribution boards. Two auxiliary switches (HP type) are built in for status feedback to a PLC or annunciator. The TM240 thermal-magnetic release is fixed (non-interchangeable in this variant), so the trip curve and rating are locked at 160 A. No undervoltage release, no shunt trip, no communication function — this is a straight line-protection breaker for panels where remote tripping or monitoring isn't required.