What it is and what it does
The Siemens 3VA1116-6EF36-0HH0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed for line protection in distribution panels and industrial switchgear. Rated 160 A at 40 °C (continuous current holds flat to 50 °C, then derates gradually to 150 A at 70 °C), it covers the heavy branch-feed or main-switch position in a 480Y/277 V or 400 V installation. Three poles, no undervoltage release, no ground-fault module — it is a straight thermal-magnetic (or electronic-trip) breaker with a shunt trip (STL) release built in and provision for two auxiliary switches plus one trip-alarm switch.
Breaking capacity and selectivity
The interrupting ratings climb steeply at lower voltages: 220 kA at 240 V, 154 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at 500 V and 690 V. That 220 kA at 240 V is the headline number — it means this breaker can be used on the secondary side of a large 208Y/120 V transformer where fault current is high, or as a main in a 480 V panel with a 75.6 kA SCCR. The 800 V rated insulation voltage confirms it is built for 690 V industrial systems. For selectivity (discrimination) studies, the 3VA family has published coordination curves; the shunt trip allows remote tripping from a safety relay or PLC output.
Dimensions and panel fit
Width 76.2 mm (3 in), depth 70 mm (2.76 in), height 130 mm (5.12 in). The 3-pole footprint matches standard SENTRON 3VA panel cutouts and bus-bar spacing. If you are swapping from a 3VA1110-5ED36-0AC0 (a lower-amp variant), the mounting hole pattern and bus connection are identical — no rewiring of the bus bars needed, only the lug torque and cable size change to match the 160 A rating.