Line protection breaker, 160 A frame, TM240 release
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1116-5EF42-0HA0 is a 4-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 160 A continuous current (Iu) and configured for line protection. It carries a TM240 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release — the thermal element handles overloads, the magnetic element clears short-circuits — and a shunt trip (STL) auxiliary release for remote tripping. Breaking capacity runs 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at 690 V, which covers most low-voltage distribution faults across common supply voltages.
Thermal derating matters above 55 °C
The breaker holds its full 160 A rating from 40 °C through 50 °C. At 55 °C it derates to 153.6 A, at 60 °C to 150.4 A, at 65 °C to 147.2 A, and at 70 °C to 144 A. An enclosure with internal ambient above 50 °C needs a de-rated load schedule or forced ventilation to stay within the thermal curve.
Panel fit and environment
Footprint is 130 mm tall, 101.6 mm wide, 70 mm deep. Front protection is IP40 — suitable for dry indoor panels; not rated for washdown or outdoor exposure without an enclosure. Operating range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C. No auxiliary contacts, no undervoltage release, no communication module, no ground-fault monitoring on this variant.