What this part is and what it does
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1163-1AA36-0KH0 is a 3-pole switch disconnector in the 3VA1 IEC frame 160 family, rated for a continuous current Iu of 63 A. It is designed for load-break isolation — it opens and closes a circuit under load but provides no overload or short-circuit protection (that is what the upstream MCCB or fuse handles). The integrated shunt trip (STL) allows remote tripping on a control signal: 220–250 V DC or 208–277 V AC. Two auxiliary switches (HQ) plus a separate trip alarm switch give status feedback to a PLC or annunciator panel.
Key ratings and what they mean for fit
Rated insulation voltage Ui is 800 V, and the maximum operational voltage reaches 690 V AC (50/60 Hz) or 500 V DC. That covers standard 400 V and 480 V distribution panels with headroom for 690 V industrial networks. The short-time withstand current is 2 kA at both 0.5 s and 1 s — this is the fault current the disconnector can carry without damage while the upstream protective device clears. It is not a breaking capacity; the disconnector is intended for isolation, not fault interruption. The front terminal connection accepts lug or clamp terminations, and the IP40 front protection means it is splash-proof on the panel face but not sealed against dust ingress into the enclosure.
Panel integration and mounting
The 3VA1163-1AA36-0KH0 mounts on a DIN rail or can be screw-fixed to a backplate. Dimensions: 70 mm deep, 76.2 mm wide (3 inches), 130 mm high. The front terminal arrangement means all power and control connections are accessible from the front — no rear access needed. The 3-pole design fits standard 3-phase distribution panels. The operating temperature range is -25 °C to +70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to +80 °C. Mechanical endurance is rated at 15,000 operating cycles.