What it is and what it does
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1116-5EF36-0DA0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 160 A continuous current with a TM240 thermal-magnetic release, designed for line protection in distribution panels. It carries a rated insulation voltage of 800 V and interrupting ratings of 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at 690 V — the 240 V figure is what you use for UL panel SCCR coordination on a 480Y/277 V secondary. The TM240 release means the thermal pickup is fixed at 240 A frame rating; the magnetic trip is adjustable. No auxiliary contacts are fitted on this variant, and there is no voltage trip or communication function — it is a straight line-protection breaker with an undervoltage release (UVR) as the only integrated auxiliary release.
Mounting and panel fit
The breaker measures 76.2 mm wide, 130 mm high, and 70 mm deep — that is a standard 3-module (3 x 25.4 mm) footprint for a 160 A MCCB. It snaps onto a DIN rail; the depth leaves room for rear busbar connections in a typical 200 mm deep enclosure without crowding the gland plate. Front protection is IP40, so it is fine for a clean indoor panel but not for washdown or outdoor cabinets without a separate enclosure.
Thermal derating and real-world current
Rated continuous current holds at 160 A from 40 °C up to 50 °C ambient. Above that, it derates: 153.6 A at 55 °C, 150.4 A at 60 °C, 147.2 A at 65 °C, and 144 A at 70 °C. If your panel runs hot — say a packed enclosure near a drive cabinet — the 55 °C figure is the one to size against. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C. The storage minimum matters if the breaker sits in an unheated warehouse before installation.