What this MCCB delivers
The Siemens 3VA2116-5HL36-0JC0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 160 A continuous current at 40 °C, with an ETU320 electronic trip unit. It handles 187 kA interrupting capacity at 240 V and 121 kA at 415 V, making it suitable for high-fault distribution panels and motor control centers where upstream transformer capacity is large. Three-pole design, line protection version. The ETU320 release provides adjustable overload and short-circuit protection curves — no communication function, no phase failure detection, no ground fault monitoring. This is a straightforward thermal-magnetic replacement with electronic precision. Dimensions: 105 mm wide, 86 mm deep, 181 mm tall. Fits standard SENTRON 3VA panel cutouts and busbar systems. The 105 mm width is the same as other 160 A frames in the family, so panel layouts carry over without re-spacing.
Thermal derating and real-world current
Rated 160 A from 40 °C through 50 °C ambient. Above that, it derates: 154 A at 55 °C, 148 A at 60 °C, 142 A at 65 °C, 136 A at 70 °C. In a sealed panel running hot, the 70 °C figure is the one that governs — plan for 136 A continuous if the enclosure ambient hits that mark. Maximum power loss is 25.5 W. That's the heat the breaker dumps into the enclosure — factor it into your thermal budget, especially in a multi-breaker lineup.
Auxiliaries and releases
Comes with 2 auxiliary switches (HQ type) and a shunt trip (STL) release. The shunt trip allows remote tripping via a control signal — useful for emergency-stop circuits or interlocking. No undervoltage release fitted; if you need UVR, that's a different variant. The integrated auxiliary trip is order code 3VA9688-0BL32. The supplied basic switch is 3VA2116-5HL36-0AA0 — this is the base breaker without auxiliaries, if you're cross-referencing a panel BOM. Latching endurance is 20 000 operations — standard for this frame size, not a high-cycle application breaker.