160 A MCCB with TM240 release — what the ratings mean for fit
The Siemens 3VA1116-6EF36-0JC0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 160 A continuous current at 40 °C, with a TM240 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release. The TM240 designation means the thermal element is fixed at 160 A (the frame rating), while the magnetic short-circuit pickup is adjustable up to 240 A — so this breaker protects a feeder or large motor branch where the full-load current is 160 A and you need to set the instantaneous trip above inrush without nuisance tripping. Breaking capacity is 220 kA at 240 V, 154 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at 690 V — per the datasheet, these are the maximum fault currents the breaker can safely interrupt at each voltage level. For a 480 V panel fed from a transformer with a 65 kA available fault current, the 75.6 kA at 440 V rating (the closest published point) indicates adequate margin; the 690 V figure of 17 kA confirms this is not a primary choice for 600 V class systems with high fault current. The 3-pole configuration with 2 auxiliary switches (HQ type) and an integrated shunt trip (STL) means it can be remotely tripped via a control signal — useful for emergency-stop circuits or supervisory shutdown sequences. No undervoltage release, no ground-fault monitoring, and no communication function are fitted on this variant; those are separate order-code options within the 3VA family.
Thermal derating and ambient temperature
The 160 A rating holds from 40 °C through 50 °C without derating. Above 50 °C the continuous current must be reduced: 153.6 A at 55 °C, 150.4 A at 60 °C, 147.2 A at 65 °C, and 144 A at 70 °C. If the panel ambient runs at 60 °C, the breaker is good for 150.4 A continuous — roughly a 6 % reduction from the nameplate. The operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C.
Physical fit and panel integration
Dimensions are 70 mm depth, 76.2 mm width, and 130 mm height. The 76.2 mm width (3 inches) is standard for a 3-pole MCCB in this frame size — it occupies three 25 mm (1 inch) pole positions on a DIN rail or panel-mount base. The IP40 protection rating on the front means it is protected against tools and wires >1 mm, but not against water ingress; install in a dry enclosure or add a cover for washdown areas.