The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1116-5EF36-0BC0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 160 A continuous at 40 °C, with a breaking capacity of 187 kA at 240 V and 121 kA at 415 V. It's designed for line protection and comes factory-fitted with an undervoltage release (UVR) and two HQ auxiliary switches. The 70 mm depth and 76.2 mm width mean it fits standard 3-pole MCCB panel cutouts — no extra gland-plate rework on a typical 600 mm deep enclosure.
What the ratings mean for your panel
The 160 A rating holds flat from 40 °C to 50 °C — no derating needed in a warm panel. At 55 °C it still carries 158 A, and at 70 °C it's 150 A. That's a shallow derate curve; you don't lose headroom unless the ambient is pushing 70 °C. The 187 kA at 240 V is the maximum short-circuit current it can interrupt without welding or exploding — spec this where the available fault current at the panelboard is that high. At 415 V it's 121 kA, at 440 V it's 75.6 kA, and at 500 V or 690 V it drops to 17 kA. That 17 kA floor at higher voltages still covers most industrial distribution panels.
Panel fit and integration
The 3VA1116-5EF36-0BC0 mounts on a DIN rail or direct-panel screw pattern. The 76.2 mm width (3 in) and 130 mm height (5.12 in) match the standard SENTRON 3VA footprint, so it drops into existing cutouts without rework. The undervoltage release (UVR) is wired to the control circuit — if the coil loses power, the breaker trips. That's a common safety interlock for emergency-stop chains or undervoltage protection on motor feeders. The two HQ auxiliary switches provide position feedback to a PLC or status lamp.