What this MCCB delivers — and what it doesn't
The Siemens 3VA1163-6EF36-0AD0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for line protection in three-phase distribution. Its 63 A continuous current holds flat from 40 °C to 50 °C, then derates to 56.7 A at 70 °C — a thermal curve worth checking if the panel runs warm. The TM240 overcurrent release is thermal-magnetic, fixed at 63 A, with a maximum time delay of 1 second on the long-time pickup. Breaking capacity is the headline: 220 kA at 240 V, 154 kA at 415 V, 121 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at 690 V. That 220 kA figure at 240 V handles high-fault utility feeds without cascading upstream — a key spec for service-entrance or large motor-control-center applications. The 17 kA at 690 V is still adequate for most industrial 690 V systems, but verify coordination with the upstream device.
Panel fit and auxiliary wiring
The 3VA1163-6EF36-0AD0 occupies a 76.2 mm wide footprint on the DIN rail, with a depth of 70 mm and height of 130 mm. Three auxiliary switches (HQ type) are factory-fitted — no separate purchase needed for status feedback to a PLC or remote indication. No undervoltage release, no shunt trip, no ground-fault monitoring, and no communication module are included; those would require a different variant or field-installable accessories. Front protection is IP40, so the breaker is suitable for enclosed panel mounting where no water spray is present. No trip indicator on the front — fault status is read from the handle position or the auxiliary contacts.
What the ratings mean for your coordination study
The 63 A continuous rating is the Iu (uninterrupted current) — the breaker carries that load indefinitely at 50 °C ambient. Above 50 °C, derate per the table: 60.48 A at 55 °C, 59.22 A at 60 °C, 57.96 A at 65 °C, 56.7 A at 70 °C. The rated insulation voltage of 800 V covers 690 V systems with margin. Latching endurance is 15,000 operations — adequate for a distribution breaker that sees infrequent switching, not a daily motor-starting duty.