What it is and what it does
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1216-5MH32-0HA0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) configured as a starter protector — meaning it combines motor-circuit protection with an integrated overcurrent release and a shunt trip for remote emergency-off or controlled disconnection. It carries a rated continuous current Iu of 160 A, with a TM120M thermal-magnetic overcurrent release that handles both overload and short-circuit conditions. The shunt trip release (STL) is built in, part number 3VA9688-0BL30, so you get remote-trip capability without an add-on module.
Breaking capacity and selectivity
Breaking capacity is rated at 187 kA at 240 V AC, 121 kA at 415 V, 30 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at 690 V. These numbers are the interrupting ratings at each voltage — the breaker can safely clear a fault up to those levels. For a 415 V industrial feeder, the 121 kA figure gives substantial headroom for high-fault panels (typical utility fault levels are 25–65 kA). At 690 V the 17 kA rating still covers most motor-drive applications. Selectivity with downstream breakers is easier to achieve when the upstream device has this kind of margin.
Thermal derating and operating range
The breaker is rated for 160 A continuous from 40 °C up to 50 °C ambient. Above that it derates: 153.6 A at 55 °C, 150.4 A at 60 °C, 147.2 A at 65 °C, and 144 A at 70 °C. The operating ambient range is -25 °C to +70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to +80 °C. If your panel runs hot — near a drive cabinet or in a non-climate-controlled enclosure — the 70 °C derated figure (144 A) is the one to size against. The IP40 front protection means it's fine in a clean indoor panel; no washdown rating.
Physical fit and panel integration
Dimensions are 105 mm wide, 158 mm high, 70 mm deep. That 105 mm width (about 4.1 inches) is a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint — it fits most DIN-rail or panel-mount enclosures without needing a custom backplate. The 70 mm depth leaves room for wiring gutters in a 200 mm deep cabinet.