160 A MCCB with 220 kA interrupting capacity at 240 V
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1116-6EF36-0CC0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 160 A continuous current with a TM240 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release. Its interrupting capacity reaches 220 kA at 240 V, 154 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at 690 V — numbers that govern selectivity coordination with downstream breakers in a distribution panel. The 160 A rating holds flat from 40 °C through 50 °C, then derates to 144 A at 70 °C, so the thermal curve matters when the breaker sits in a warm enclosure near other heat sources. This is a line-protection version (not motor-protection) with no voltage trigger, no phase-failure detection, and no communication function. It carries an undervoltage release (UVR) as the auxiliary release design, plus two HQ auxiliary switches. The integrated auxiliary trip uses order code 3VA9608-0BB24. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V, and the front face carries IP40 protection — suitable for enclosed panel mounting where the front is behind a door.
Panel integration and physical fit
Dimensions are 130 mm height, 76.2 mm width, and 70 mm depth. The 76.2 mm width (three-pole) matches the standard SENTRON 3VA footprint for a 160 A frame — it occupies the same panel cutout as other 3VA breakers in this current class. The 70 mm depth leaves clearance behind a 200 mm deep enclosure for wiring and the UVR accessory. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C.
Selectivity and coordination notes
The 220 kA at 240 V and 154 kA at 415 V ratings give this breaker headroom for high-fault installations — typically upstream of a panelboard or as a main in a distribution board. The TM240 release is thermal-magnetic, so short-circuit pickup is fixed; for adjustable electronic trip curves, a different 3VA variant would be needed. The 15 000 mechanical endurance cycles suit it for infrequent switching (main disconnect duty), not daily load-break operation.