What it is and what the ratings mean
The Siemens 3VA1163-6MH36-0HC0 is a 3-pole IEC frame 160 molded-case circuit breaker with a 70 kA breaking capacity at 415 V (class H). That Icu rating means it can safely interrupt a fault current up to 70 kA without welding or rupturing — critical for high-fault installations like large motor control centers or transformer secondaries where available fault current runs high. It's configured for starter protection with a TM120M thermal-magnetic trip unit, rated 63 A, but note: this variant provides short-circuit protection only — no overload protection. The magnetic trip Ii is adjustable from 5 to 15 times In (315 A to 945 A), which lets you dial in the instantaneous pickup for motor inrush without nuisance tripping. The integrated shunt trip (STL) operates on 12-30 V DC or 24 V AC 50/60 Hz, letting a remote safety relay or PLC push the breaker open on demand. Two HQ auxiliary switches give status feedback to the control system.
Where it lands in the panel
This breaker uses clamp (lug) connections, so it lands on busbars or cable lugs in a distribution panel or motor starter bucket. The 3VA1 frame is DIN-rail mountable, but at 63 A and with shunt trip wiring, plan for finger-safe gland plates and enough bend radius on the control wires to the STL terminals.
Lifecycle and sourcing posture
Lifecycle stage is current — Siemens still lists this as an active catalog number, so it's not on LTB or EOL notice. That means it's specifiable into new BOMs without a PCN watch. We source it to order against an RFQ through our independent distribution network; availability and current pricing are confirmed at quote time.