What this MCCB delivers
The Siemens 3VA1116-6EF36-0AB0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) sized for line protection in distribution panels. It carries a rated continuous current Iu of 160 A across three poles, with a TM240 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release that handles the overload and short-circuit trip curve without an electronic trip unit. The interrupting ratings climb to 220 kA at 240 V and 154 kA at 415 V, which means it can clear high-fault currents upstream of a motor control center or switchboard without cascading failure — a key spec for selectivity studies. At 440 V the breaking capacity drops to 75.6 kA, then to 17 kA at both 500 V and 690 V. The rated insulation voltage Ui is 800 V, so the internal clearances are designed for 690 V systems with margin. For a 160 A frame this is a high-interrupting-capacity variant — not every MCCB in the 3VA family carries 220 kA at 240 V.
Thermal derating and panel fit
The breaker is rated for 160 A from 40 °C through 50 °C ambient — no derating needed in a typical 40 °C panel. At 55 °C it drops to 158 A, at 60 °C to 155 A, and at 70 °C to 150 A. If the enclosure runs hot (stacked breakers, poor airflow), the 150 A floor at 70 °C still leaves headroom for a 150 A feeder. The maximum power loss is 38 W, which factors into the enclosure thermal budget. Dimensions are 76.2 mm wide (3 in), 130 mm tall, and 70 mm deep — a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint that fits most Siemens SENTRON mounting plates and DIN-rail adapters. The auxiliary contact version is listed as 2 auxiliary switches HP, giving two form-C contacts for status feedback to a PLC or annunciator panel.