160 A MCCB with starter protection and undervoltage release
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1216-5MH32-0CC0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 160 A continuous current, built around a TM120M thermal-magnetic release. It carries a breaking capacity of 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V, and 30 kA at 440 V — numbers that matter when you're coordinating with upstream gear in a high-fault panel. The starter protection variant means it's tuned for motor branch circuits, not just general distribution. An integrated undervoltage release (UVR) is fitted as standard — the auxiliary trip module is order code 3VA9608-0BB24. That UVR will drop the breaker if control voltage falls below the dropout threshold, which is a common requirement for safety circuits on conveyor and pump starters. No communication module or phase-failure detection on this variant; it's a straight electromechanical MCCB with two HQ auxiliary switches for status feedback.
Current derating and thermal limits
The 160 A rating holds flat through 50 °C ambient — no derating needed in a standard ventilated enclosure. Above that, the curve drops: 153.6 A at 55 °C, 150.4 A at 60 °C, 147.2 A at 65 °C, and 144 A at 70 °C. If your panel runs hot near the top of the enclosure, account for that 10 % loss at the high end. The IP40 front protection means it's fine in a clean indoor panel; no washdown rating here. Dimensions are 105 mm wide by 158 mm tall by 70 mm deep — a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint for this class. The 15 000 latching endurance cycles tell you it's designed for occasional switching, not daily motor starting. For motor duty, the AC-3 operating power at 400 V is 55 W, which aligns with switching a moderate induction load under start-stop conditions.