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.
What to check before you wire it
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.