What it is and what it does
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1163-6MH36-0AA0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 63 A continuous at 40 °C, designed for starter protection — meaning it's built to handle motor starting inrush without nuisance tripping while still clearing faults fast. The TM120M thermal-magnetic release gives you a fixed thermal pickup and magnetic trip that's factory-set for motor branch circuits. Breaking capacity hits 154 kA at 415 V, 220 kA at 240 V, and still holds 7.5 kA at 690 V — that's serious fault-clearing muscle for a 63 A frame. Front protection is IP40, so it's panel-ready but not washdown-rated.
Ratings and what they mean for your panel
Rated current holds flat at 63 A from 40 °C through 50 °C (–), then derates gently: 62 A at 55 °C, 61 A at 60 °C, 60 A at 65 °C, 58 A at 70 °C (–). That's a tight thermal curve — you lose only 5 A from 40 °C to 70 °C, so it's forgiving in a warm enclosure. Ambient operating range is -25 °C to 70 °C, storage from -40 °C to 80 °C. The 17.3 W max power loss is manageable for a 63 A frame; factor it into your enclosure heat budget if you're stacking multiple breakers.
Physical fit and panel integration
Dimensions are 130 mm height, 76.2 mm width, 70 mm depth — standard 3-pole MCCB footprint for DIN-rail or panel-mount enclosures. The 3-pole design with no undervoltage release and no communication module keeps it simple: wire it in, torque to spec, and it protects. No trip indicator means you'll need a visual check or auxiliary contact for remote status.