What this MCCB is and what it protects
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1216-5MH32-0HH0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated 160 A at 40 °C, with a starter protection design — meaning it is built to protect motor starters and their associated branch circuits, not just general distribution feeders. The interrupting ratings are substantial: 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, which covers most industrial fault-current scenarios across common voltage levels.
Current derating and thermal limits
The breaker holds 160 A continuously up to 50 °C ambient. Above that, it derates linearly: 156 A at 55 °C, 151 A at 60 °C, 147 A at 65 °C, and 142 A at 70 °C. The operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C, with storage from -40 °C to 80 °C. Maximum power loss is 33 W. For a panel builder, this means the breaker can sit in a warm enclosure without forced cooling as long as the load stays within the derated curve — but if the panel ambient hits 70 °C, you lose about 11 % of the ampacity.
Auxiliary and release configuration
This variant ships with two auxiliary switches plus one trip alarm switch (HQ), and a shunt trip release (STL). There is no undervoltage release, no ground-fault monitoring, and no communication function. The auxiliary switch design is listed as 3VA12165MH320AA0. For an MRO planner, this means the breaker is ready for remote trip and status indication out of the box, but if you need undervoltage protection or ground-fault sensing, you will need a different order code or an add-on module.
Physical fit and panel integration
Dimensions are 158 mm high, 105 mm wide, and 70 mm deep. It is a standard DIN-rail mountable MCCB footprint for the SENTRON 3VA platform. In a panel, the 105 mm width occupies roughly 6 TE (terminal units) on a DIN rail. The 70 mm depth leaves clearance for rear-connected busbars or cable lugs without protruding past typical 200 mm deep enclosures.