What this MCCB carries and what it protects
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1216-5MH32-0DA0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 160 A at 40 °C ambient — that's the continuous current it handles in a standard panel without derating. It's designed specifically for starter protection, meaning it's built to coordinate with motor contactors and overload relays, not just as a feeder breaker. The TM120M overcurrent release gives thermal-magnetic trip characteristics: thermal for overloads, magnetic for short circuits.
Breaking capacity — where it clears faults
This MCCB delivers 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, 30 kA at 500 V, and 4.5 kA at 690 V. That's a high-interrupting rating for a 160 A frame — it'll clear severe fault currents without rupturing, which matters when you're coordinating downstream devices in a distribution panel. The 800 V rated insulation voltage gives headroom for 690 V systems.
Thermal derating and ambient limits
Rated current holds at 160 A from 40 °C through 50 °C (–), then steps down: 156 A at 55 °C, 151 A at 60 °C, 147 A at 65 °C, and 142 A at 70 °C. Operating ambient spans -25 °C to 70 °C (–); storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C (–). If your panel runs hot — say a non-ventilated enclosure near a furnace line — use the 55 °C or 60 °C column for your load calculation.
Undervoltage release and auxiliary wiring
This variant includes an undervoltage release (UVR) as the auxiliary release. That means if the control voltage drops below the dropout threshold, the breaker trips — standard for safety circuits where a loss of control power should kill the motor. There's no trip indicator and no communication function, so this is a straightforward hardwired breaker, not a smart breaker with remote monitoring.
Physical fit and panel integration
Dimensions: 105 mm wide, 158 mm tall, 70 mm deep. That's a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint for the 160 A frame — mounts on a DIN rail or bolts into a panel base. The 35.5 W maximum power loss means it dissipates heat into the enclosure; factor that into your thermal budget if you're packing multiple breakers in a small cabinet.