The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1163-3EF36-0AC0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 63 A continuous current, with a TM240 thermal-magnetic release for line protection. Its breaking capacity reaches 75.6 kA at 240 V, 52.5 kA at 415 V, and 32 kA at 440 V — enough headroom for most industrial distribution panels where fault currents are high. The 63 A rating holds steady up to 50 °C ambient; above that it derates gradually to 56.7 A at 70 °C. That matters when the breaker sits in a crowded enclosure with other heat sources — you don't lose much capacity until the panel runs hot. Dimensions are 130 mm high, 76.2 mm wide, 70 mm deep — a standard footprint for this class. The front face carries IP40 protection, suitable for general-purpose indoor panels where dust ingress isn't a concern.
Key ratings and what they mean
The TM240 overcurrent release is a thermal-magnetic type — the thermal element handles overloads (adjustable response time up to 1 s), and the magnetic element handles short circuits. No undervoltage release, no shunt trip, no ground-fault monitoring built in; if you need those, you add auxiliary releases externally. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V, so the breaker can be used in 690 V line-to-line systems (the 10.5 kA breaking capacity at 690 V confirms that). The 2 HQ auxiliary switches provide status feedback for remote monitoring or PLC inputs.
Panel fit and integration
Mounts on a DIN rail or panel-mount base. The 76.2 mm width (roughly 3 inches) fits standard MCCB slots in most distribution boards. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C, storage from -40 °C to 80 °C — fine for unheated warehouses or outdoor enclosures with climate control.