What this MCCB is and what it does
The Siemens 3VA1116-6EF36-0AD0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed for line protection in distribution panels. It is a 3-pole unit rated at 160 A continuous current at 40 °C, with a TM240 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release — meaning the thermal element handles overloads and the magnetic element handles short-circuits, no electronic adjustment. Its breaking capacity is specified across multiple voltages: 220 kA at 240 V, 154 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at both 500 V and 690 V. That 220 kA figure at 240 V is exceptionally high — it tells you this breaker is built for high-fault-current locations like large transformer secondaries or industrial service entrances where available fault current is severe. The insulation voltage is rated at 800 V, which covers the 690 V breaking rating and gives headroom for system voltage variations. Maximum power loss is 38 W — a useful number for panel thermal calculations when multiple breakers are ganged.
Current derating and temperature — what the ratings mean for panel fit
This breaker holds its full 160 A rating 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 your panel ambient runs at 60 °C, you lose 5 A — still within most design margins, but worth checking if you are loading the breaker near its nameplate. The operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C, with storage from -40 °C to 80 °C.
Physical fit and panel integration
Dimensions are 130 mm height, 76.2 mm width, 70 mm depth. The 3-pole width of 76.2 mm (3 inches) is standard for this class of MCCB, so it fits existing panel cutouts and busbar spacing designed for 3-inch-centre breakers. No undervoltage release, no ground-fault monitoring, no communication function on this variant — it is a straight line-protection breaker with three auxiliary switches (HQ type) built in.