What this MCCB is and what it does
The Siemens 3VA2116-5HL36-0CC0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 160 A continuous current (Iu) across a 3-pole configuration, carrying an ETU320 electronic trip unit for line protection duty. The 187 kA interrupting capacity at 240 V gives substantial headroom for high-fault installations; the rating drops to 121 kA at 415 V and 440 V, then to 79 kA at 500 V, and 4.25 kA at 690 V — so the voltage class of your distribution determines the available fault-clearing margin.
Thermal derating and ambient limits
The breaker holds full 160 A from 40 °C through 50 °C ambient; above that it derates linearly to 154 A at 55 °C, 148 A at 60 °C, 142 A at 65 °C, and 136 A at 70 °C. If your panel internal temperature runs above 50 °C, the continuous current you can actually carry is the derated figure — not the nameplate 160 A. Operating ambient range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C.
Trip unit and auxiliary hardware
The ETU320 overcurrent release provides electronic trip curves for line protection. An undervoltage release (UVR) is integrated as standard — part number 3VA9608-0BB24 for the auxiliary trip assembly. Two auxiliary switches (HQ type) are fitted for status feedback. The breaker itself does not include a voltage trip, communication module, phase-failure detection, or ground-fault monitoring; those are separate option slots. Maximum power loss is 28 W at rated current.
Physical fit and panel integration
Dimensions are 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, 86 mm deep. The 105 mm width is the standard 3-pole MCCB footprint for this SENTRON frame size — it occupies three 35 mm DIN modules plus a small margin. No trip indicator on the front face; status is read from the auxiliary switches or handle position. The supplied basic switch variant is 3VA2116-5HL36-0AA0.