Siemens SENTRON 3VA1216-5MH32-0DC0 – 160 A MCCB with Starter Protection and Undervoltage Release
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1216-5MH32-0DC0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated 160 A continuous at 40 °C, designed specifically for starter protection of motor loads. It carries a 187 kA breaking capacity at 240 V AC, stepping down to 121 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, 30 kA at 500 V, and 4.5 kA at 690 V — figures that govern its selectivity and SCCR headroom in a distribution panel. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V, and the breaker ships with an integrated undervoltage release (UVR) plus two HQ auxiliary switches. The UVR trips the breaker when control voltage drops below its dropout threshold — standard for safety circuits that need a guaranteed disconnect on loss of control power.
Current Ratings and Thermal Derating
The 160 A rating holds flat from 40 °C through 50 °C. Above that, derate linearly: 156 A at 55 °C, 151 A at 60 °C, 147 A at 65 °C, and 142 A at 70 °C. Operating ambient range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C. Maximum power loss at rated load is 35.5 W — relevant for thermal budgeting inside a sealed enclosure.
Physical Fit and Panel Integration
Dimensions are 105 mm wide, 158 mm high, and 70 mm deep. The 3-pole frame mounts via screw terminals onto a backplate or DIN-rail adapter (not included).