The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1216-5EF32-0JH0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 160 A continuous current at 40 °C ambient, with a breaking capacity of 187 kA at 240 VAC. Rated current holds at 160 A from 40 °C through 50 °C, then derates to 156 A at 55 °C and 142 A at 70 °C — useful for panels with restricted airflow or elevated ambient near other heat sources.
Breaking capacity steps: 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, 30 kA at 500 V, and 17 kA at 690 V. The high 240 V figure suits North American 277/480 V wye systems where the line-to-neutral fault current can exceed 100 kA near the service entrance. Compared to the lower-rated 3VA1110-5EF32-0AM0 (100 A frame), this 160 A unit shares the same 3-pole footprint and SENTRON platform but steps up the continuous current and the interrupting ratings across all voltage levels. Panel cutouts and busbar spacing are identical — a direct swap for upgrading an existing 100 A feeder without reworking the enclosure.
Physical Integration and Panel Fit
Dimensions: 158 mm height, 105 mm width, 70 mm depth. Depth of 70 mm leaves clearance for rear-connected busbar stabs and front-facing terminal covers in a typical 600 mm deep enclosure. Power loss is 33 W maximum at rated load — relevant for thermal rise calculations in sealed enclosures.
The shunt trip allows integration with emergency-stop circuits or undervoltage protection schemes. No ground-fault monitoring or communication function is included — this is a basic line-protection device without add-on modules.