What this MCCB is and what the ratings mean for fit
The Siemens 3VA1116-5EF42-0AD0 is a 4-pole SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for line protection — meaning it sits at the main or feeder breaker position in a distribution panel, not on a motor branch. Its 160 A continuous rating at 40 °C holds flat through 50 °C, then derates to 144 A at 70 °C. The TM240 thermal-magnetic release provides fixed thermal and magnetic trip thresholds; there is no electronic adjustment, no communication function, and no phase-failure detection. The interrupting capacity is the headline number: 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at 690 V. These are the fault currents the breaker can safely clear without welding or rupturing — critical for sizing upstream protection and verifying SCCR compliance on the panel label.
Mounting and panel integration
The 3VA1116-5EF42-0AD0 measures 101.6 mm wide, 130 mm tall, and 70 mm deep. It mounts on a DIN rail or bolts directly into a panel baseplate. The front face carries an IP40 rating — protected against tools and wires over 1 mm, but not sealed against moisture. In a washdown or outdoor enclosure, the breaker itself needs a separate IP-rated door or cover. Three auxiliary switches HQ are factory-fitted; no undervoltage release, no ground-fault module, and no N-conductor protection are included. The 15 000 mechanical endurance cycles are typical for a fixed-mounted line-protection MCCB in a distribution board.