What this MCCB carries
The Siemens 3VA1216-5MH32-0BC0 is a 3-pole IEC frame 250 MCCB from the 3VA1 series, rated for 55 kA breaking capacity at 415 V (class M). It ships with a TM120M thermal-magnetic trip unit set at 160 A, configured for starter protection — meaning the magnetic short-circuit pickup is adjustable from 7 to 16 times In, and there is no overload protection element in this variant (the overload function is handled externally by the starter). An undervoltage release (UVR) at 24 V DC is integrated, plus a nut keeper kit for the terminals.
Breaking capacity and what it means for your panel
The 55 kA Icu at 415 V places this breaker in the M (medium) breaking capacity class per IEC 60947-2. That figure is the maximum fault current it can safely interrupt without welding or rupturing — critical for panels with high available fault current, such as those fed by large transformers or close to the utility service entrance. For a 160 A frame, 55 kA is substantial headroom; you can coordinate this downstream of a larger upstream device without worrying about cascading failure.
Starter protection trip curve — the so-what
The TM120M trip unit with Ii adjustable 7–16 x In means the magnetic instantaneous trip point can be set between 1120 A and 2560 A. That wide range lets you tune the breaker to ride through motor inrush without nuisance tripping, while still clearing a bolted fault fast. Because overload protection is omitted here, this breaker is intended to pair with a separate overload relay or motor starter — the MCCB handles only short-circuit and ground-fault protection.
Undervoltage release and auxiliary components
The 24 V DC undervoltage release (UVR) trips the breaker when control voltage drops below a threshold — standard for safety circuits that need to drop power on loss of control supply. The nut keeper kit retains the terminal nuts, preventing loosening under vibration or thermal cycling. Both are factory-fitted; no field assembly required.