160 A MCCB with TM210 release — what the ratings mean for your panel
The Siemens 3VA1116-5GD46-0AA0 is a 4-pole SENTRON molded case circuit breaker rated at 160 A continuous current (Iu) with a TM210 thermal-magnetic trip unit. The TM210 designation means the thermal element is fixed at 160 A (the frame rating), while the magnetic short-circuit pickup is adjustable from 5 to 10 times In — here set to a maximum of 1600 A. That adjustable magnetic threshold lets you coordinate with downstream devices without oversizing the breaker for motor inrush or transformer energization. Breaking capacity is the headline number for a main or feeder breaker: this unit delivers 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V, and 75.6 kA at 440 V. At 500 V and 690 V it still holds 17 kA. Those figures mean it can interrupt fault currents up to those levels without rupturing — critical for high-fault installations like transformer secondaries or large motor control centers where the available fault current exceeds 100 kA. Ambient temperature derating is built into the spec: the breaker carries the full 160 A up to 50 °C, then drops to 158 A at 55 °C, 155 A at 60 °C, 153 A at 65 °C, and 150 A at 70 °C. If your panel ambient runs above 50 °C, size the load accordingly — the 160 A nameplate is only valid within the 45–50 °C window.
Panel integration and physical fit
The breaker measures 70 mm deep, 101.6 mm wide, and 130 mm high — a standard 4-pole MCCB footprint for DIN-rail or mounting-plate installation. Front protection is IP40, suitable for enclosed panel mounting where no washdown or dust ingress is expected. The 100% N-conductor protection design means the neutral pole is fully rated and trips with the phase poles, not just a switched neutral. Maximum power dissipation is 38 W at rated load — account for that heat in your enclosure thermal calculation, especially if multiple breakers are ganged in a small cabinet. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C.
DC rating and application flexibility
The breaker carries a maximum DC operational voltage rating of 600 V, which opens up use in DC bus distribution or battery-bank protection — not just AC feeder duty. The short-circuit design note references the 3VA device manual for DC network switching values, so consult that document for specific DC breaking capacity figures. An optional motor drive is available as a product extension for remote tripping or reset.