160 A MCCB with ETU350 — breaking capacity that scales with your fault level
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2116-5HN32-0AC0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 160 A continuous current, built around the ETU350 electronic trip unit for line protection. What sets this frame apart is the breaking capacity curve: 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 79 kA at 500 V, and 4.25 kA at 690 V. That means at common low-voltage distribution levels (240–480 V) you have headroom for high-fault installations without cascading upstream — the breaker clears the fault within its own rating. At 690 V the interrupting capacity drops sharply, so for 690 V applications verify that 4.25 kA covers your available fault current. The ETU350 is a basic electronic trip unit with fixed time-current curves — no communication, no voltage trigger, no ground-fault monitoring. It is sized for straightforward feeder or main breaker duty where you need selective coordination via the LI (long-time and instantaneous) settings. The 2 auxiliary switches (HQ type) provide status feedback to a PLC or indication panel without an add-on module.
Thermal derating — full 160 A up to 50 °C, then a clean roll-off
This MCCB carries its full 160 A rating from 40 °C through 50 °C ambient. At 55 °C it derates to 154 A, at 60 °C to 148 A, at 65 °C to 142 A, and at 70 °C to 136 A. The operating range spans -25 °C to 70 °C, with storage from -40 °C to 80 °C. For a panel that runs hot — say a non-ventilated enclosure near a furnace line — you can still apply this breaker but need to factor the derated current into your load schedule. Maximum power loss is 25.5 W, which matters for enclosure thermal budgeting.
Panel fit — dimensions and footprint
The breaker measures 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, and 86 mm deep. It mounts on a DIN rail or directly to a backplate via the SENTRON 3VA2 frame's screw-mounting pattern. The 86 mm depth leaves clearance for standard rear-connection busbars or cable lugs in a 200 mm deep enclosure. Front IP40 protection means it is suited for general-purpose indoor panels; not rated for washdown or outdoor exposure.