What this MCCB is — and the rating that decides the fit
The Siemens 3VA1216-5GE42-0AA0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed for line protection in distribution panels. It is a 4-pole unit with a TM220 thermal-magnetic release, rated 160 A continuous at 40 °C. The interrupting capacity is the headline spec here: 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 — so the voltage class of your system determines whether this breaker has headroom for the available fault current. At 415 V, 121 kA covers most industrial service-entrance and sub-distribution applications.
Thermal derating — the number that matters when the cabinet runs hot
The 160 A rating holds flat from 40 °C up to 50 °C. Above that, it derates: 156 A at 55 °C, 151 A at 60 °C, 147 A at 65 °C, and 142 A at 70 °C. If the breaker sits in a warm enclosure — say a non-ventilated panel next to transformers or drives — the 70 °C figure (142 A) is the one to size against, not the 40 °C nameplate. The rated insulation voltage is 800 V, and the front face carries IP40 protection, meaning it's splash-protected against tools and fingers but not hose-down.
Panel fit and physical integration
Dimensions are 158 mm high, 140 mm wide, 70 mm deep — a compact 4-pole footprint that fits standard distribution panelboards. Power loss at rated current is 33 W maximum, which matters for thermal budgeting inside a sealed enclosure. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C.