The Siemens 3VA1116-5EF32-0CC0 is a 3-pole SENTRON molded case circuit breaker rated for 160 A continuous current with a TM240 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release. It carries a 187 kA interrupting capacity at 240 V — that's the number that tells you it'll clear a dead-short fault on a high-capacity transformer feed without the arc blowing through the can. Built for line protection, not motor or generator duty.
Breaking capacity and thermal derating
The 187 kA at 240 V drops to 121 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at 690 V — so if you're feeding a 480 V panel, the 75.6 kA figure is the one that governs your SCCR coordination study, not the headline number. Continuous current holds at 160 A up to 50 °C ambient; above that it derates to 153.6 A at 55 °C and 144 A at 70 °C. That thermal curve matters if this breaker sits in a crowded enclosure next to a hot transformer or drive.
Integrated releases and auxiliary contacts
This MCCB ships with an undervoltage release (UVR) — the coil drops the trip mechanism if control voltage falls below the dropout threshold, which is standard for safety circuits that need a fail-safe trip on power loss. It also carries two auxiliary switches HQ (high-rupturing-capacity contacts) for status feedback to a PLC or annunciator panel. The TM240 thermal-magnetic release handles overload and short-circuit protection in one package; no separate relay or trip unit needed.
Mounting and integration
The 3VA1116-5EF32-0CC0 measures 130 mm high, 76.2 mm wide, and 70 mm deep — a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint that bolts into a SENTRON distribution panel or a custom enclosure. Front-side IP40 protection means it's fine inside a closed panel but not for washdown areas. Two auxiliary switches HQ mount internally, saving rail space versus external add-on blocks.