What this breaker carries — and what it means on the panel
The Siemens 3VA1163-4EF32-0HC0 is an IEC frame 160 circuit breaker in breaking capacity class S, rated to interrupt 36kA at 415V — that is the fault current it can clear without the arc re-striking, which governs the upstream transformer and bus bracing you need. It is a 3-pole unit with thermal-magnetic line protection (TM240), adjustable overload Ir from 44 to 63A, and short-circuit pickup Ii set at 5 to 10 times In. That adjustability means one breaker covers a range of motor or feeder sizes on the same frame, reducing spare-part count. A shunt trip (STL) coils in at 12–30V DC or 24V AC, letting a remote emergency-stop or PLC output drop the breaker without pulling the handle. Two auxiliary switches (HQ) report position back to the control system.
Lifecycle and sourcing reality
For a BOM line that needs this exact 3VA1 variant with the TM240 thermal-magnetic unit, shunt trip, and dual aux switches, the part is sourced to order against an RFQ through independent distribution. Availability and current pricing are confirmed at quote time.
What to check before you wire it
The nut keeper kit is included on this variant — that is the hardware to capture the terminal nuts so they do not vibrate loose on a machine subject to shock or continuous cycling. On a 3VA1 frame, it is a field-fit item; verify it is present in the box before mounting. The shunt trip draws from a 12–30V DC or 24V AC control supply. If your panel runs a 24V DC bus, it works direct; for AC control, the 50/60Hz rating is wide enough for either line frequency. The two HQ aux switches are form-C (changeover) contacts — confirm the wiring diagram for your PLC input card.