The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1116-5GF46-0AA0 is a 4-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 160 A continuous at 40 °C, with a TM240 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release. It's designed for line protection — the primary feeder or main disconnect role in a distribution panel, not branch circuit motor protection. The interrupting capacity ramps down with system voltage: 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at both 500 V and 690 V. That 187 kA at 240 V is the headline number — it tells you this breaker can sit ahead of a high-fault transformer without needing a current-limiting fuse upstream, as long as the available fault current stays under that threshold. Panel footprint: 101.6 mm wide, 130 mm tall, 70 mm deep. The 4-pole width (roughly 4 inches) is standard for a 160 A frame — verify the DIN-rail or mounting-plate clearance before committing the cutout, especially in retrofit panels where the existing MCCB is a 3-pole unit.
Thermal derating and ambient limits
The 160 A rating holds flat from 40 °C through 50 °C ambient. Above that, it derates: 158 A at 55 °C, 155 A at 60 °C, 153 A at 65 °C, and 150 A at 70 °C. If this breaker lives in a non-ventilated enclosure near other heat sources, use the 70 °C column for your continuous-load calculation — 150 A is the real-world limit in a hot cabinet. Operating ambient range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C. The IP40 front protection means it's splash-safe from the front but not sealed — mount it inside a panel with at least IP54 enclosure if the environment sees washdown or condensation.
What the TM240 release means for coordination
TM240 release uses a 240 A frame; 160 A continuous rating set via rating plug or fixed trip setting.