What it is and what it does
The Siemens 3VA1216-5GF42-0AA0-ZD00 is a 4-pole IEC frame 250 molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) from the 3VA1 series, built for line protection in distribution panels. Its headline rating is a 55 kA breaking capacity at 415 V (class M), meaning it can safely interrupt a fault current up to that level without welding its contacts or rupturing — critical for installations with high available fault current from the utility transformer. The thermal-magnetic trip unit (TM240, ATAM) is set for an In of 160 A, with overload protection adjustable from 112 A to 160 A and short-circuit protection fixed at 5 to 10 times In.
Deployment context
This breaker mounts into a standard panelboard or switchboard enclosure on a DIN rail or bolted to a backplate. The 4-pole configuration with 100% neutral conductor protection suits three-phase four-wire systems where the neutral must be switched and protected — common in North American and IEC distribution for commercial buildings, data centers, and industrial power feeds. The included nut keeper kit is a detail for OEMs assembling DC power gear in China, ensuring the terminal hardware stays captive during wiring.