The Siemens 3VA1216-5MH32-0HC0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 160 A continuous at 40 °C, with a 3-pole configuration designed specifically for starter protection — meaning it's built to handle the inrush and overload profile of motor starters, not just general distribution loads. Breaking capacity is substantial: 187 kA at 240 V, tapering to 121 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, 30 kA at 500 V, and 4.5 kA at 690 V — so at typical 400 V industrial supply, you're looking at over 100 kA fault-clearing capability, which covers high-fault panels without needing a current-limiting upstream device. This unit includes a factory-fitted shunt trip (STL) release and two HQ auxiliary switches, so it's ready for remote tripping and status feedback without additional wiring labor.
Thermal derating and real-world current
The 160 A rating holds flat from 40 °C through 50 °C — no derating needed in a warm panel. At 55 °C it drops to 156 A, at 60 °C to 151 A, at 65 °C to 147 A, and at 70 °C to 142 A. That's a gentle slope: you lose about 11% at the top of the operating range, which is better than many MCCBs that start derating at 40 °C. Maximum power loss is 33 W at rated load, so heat dissipation inside the enclosure is manageable — no forced cooling required for a single unit in a standard IP54 panel.
Dimensions and panel fit
Footprint is 105 mm wide × 158 mm tall × 70 mm deep — that's a compact 3-pole MCCB for 160 A. The 70 mm depth (2.76 in) means it clears most 200 mm deep enclosures with room for wiring gutters behind it.
Environmental and compliance
Operating temperature range is -25 °C to +70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to +80 °C. The insulation voltage rating is 800 V, so it's suitable for 690 V systems with margin.