What it is and what it does
The Siemens 3VA1163-5EE42-0AA0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) for line protection, rated 63 A continuous current across a 4-pole configuration. It carries a TM220 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release — the thermal element handles overloads, the magnetic element clears short-circuits. Breaking capacity is voltage-dependent: 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at both 500 V and 690 V. That spread tells you the real-world fault current it can interrupt drops as system voltage rises — at 690 V you're limited to 17 kA, so verify your available fault current at that voltage before specifying.
Thermal derating and operating envelope
The 63 A rating holds flat from 40 °C through 50 °C. Above that it derates: 62 A at 55 °C, 61 A at 60 °C, 60 A at 65 °C, and 58 A at 70 °C. If your panel ambient runs hot — say a sealed enclosure near a furnace line — you lose 5 A by the time you hit 70 °C. The operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C. Power loss at full load is 17.3 W, which matters for enclosure thermal calculations when you stack several breakers side by side.
Physical fit and panel integration
Dimensions are 130 mm high, 101.6 mm wide, 70 mm deep. The 70 mm depth is the body only — allow additional clearance for rear terminals and arc-chamber venting per Siemens mounting instructions. IP40 on the front face means it's protected against tools and wires >1 mm, but not against moisture; keep it inside a rated enclosure. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V AC; max DC operational voltage is 600 V. The design accepts an optional motor drive (product extension available), so remote trip or reset is possible without replacing the breaker.