What this part is — and isn't
The Siemens 3VA1163-1AA36-0HC0 is a SENTRON switch disconnector in the 3VA1 IEC frame 160 family. It's a 3-pole, 63 A rated device with no overload or short-circuit protection — it's a disconnect, not a circuit breaker. That means it's for isolation and switching under load, not for protecting downstream wiring. The shunt trip release (STL) operates on 12-30 V DC or 24 V AC 50/60 Hz, and it ships with 2 HQ auxiliary switches built in. Rated continuous current holds at 63 A across the full operating temperature range from 40 °C through 70 °C — no derating needed until you hit the max 70 °C ambient. That's a solid thermal budget for a panel that runs warm.
Footprint and panel fit
At 70 mm deep, 76.2 mm wide, and 130 mm tall, this unit fits the standard 3VA1 frame footprint. Front terminal connection for the main circuit — clamp-type terminals, so you're landing wires on the face, not the back. IP40 on the front means it's protected against tools and small solids; fine for a closed panel, but not for washdown areas.
What the ratings mean for your BOM line
The 63 A rating is the continuous current the disconnect can carry without exceeding its thermal limits — and it holds that figure all the way to 70 °C ambient, so you don't need to oversize for a hot panel. The 800 V rated insulation voltage (Ui) and 500 V max DC operational voltage tell you it's built for 480 V AC systems and moderate DC bus work. The 38 W max power loss is the heat it dumps into the enclosure; factor that into your panel cooling calc if you're stacking several of these.