What it is and what it does
The Siemens 3VA1163-5EF36-0CH0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) built for line protection in distribution panels. Rated 63 A continuous at 40 °C, it carries a 3-pole construction and delivers a breaking capacity of 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V, and 75.6 kA at 440 V — enough to handle high-fault utility feeds or transformer secondaries without cascading upstream. The breaker includes an undervoltage release (UVR) and a complement of auxiliary switches: 2 auxiliary switches plus 1 trip alarm switch HQ. That means it can drop the load on loss of control voltage and report its status back to a PLC or annunciator — useful for safety interlocks or remote monitoring.
Ratings that matter for fit
The 63 A rating holds flat from 40 °C to 50 °C, then derates gradually: 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 above 50 °C, account for the drop — the breaker won't carry a full 63 A continuously at elevated temperatures. Breaking capacity steps down with voltage: 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at 500 V and 690 V. For a 480 V panel, the 75.6 kA figure at 440 V is the closest published point — verify coordination with your available fault current. Power loss is 19.8 W maximum at rated load — negligible for most enclosures, but worth checking if you're packing multiple breakers in a sealed box with limited ventilation.
Mounting and integration
The breaker measures 76.2 mm wide, 130 mm tall, and 70 mm deep. It mounts on a DIN rail or directly to a backplate via the standard MCCB footprint. The 3-pole width fits a standard 3-module slot in most panel layouts. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C. Insulation voltage is rated at 800 V.