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.
The 55 kA Icu at 415 V places this breaker in the M (medium) breaking capacity class per IEC 60947-2. 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. 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 nut keeper kit retains the terminal nuts, preventing loosening under vibration or thermal cycling. Both are factory-fitted; no field assembly required.