What this MCCB does for a line
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2116-5HN36-0AE0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 160 A continuous current, sized for line protection in distribution panels. Its interrupting capacity reaches 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415/440 V, 75.6 kA at 500 V, and 3.7 kA at 690 V — so it handles high-fault scenarios downstream of a transformer without cascading upstream. The 160 A frame holds steady across the full ambient range from -25 °C to 70 °C, no derating needed up to that ceiling.
SCCR and coordination reality
The 187 kA at 240 V is the headline number, but the real-world selectivity decision lives at 415 V where it still delivers 121 kA — enough for most industrial service-entrance and feeder applications. At 690 V the 3.7 kA limit means this breaker is not the right choice for 690 V high-fault panels; that's where a higher-frame SENTRON variant steps in. The 160 A continuous rating is flat from 40 °C to 70 °C, which simplifies panel thermal budgeting — no correction factor to apply unless the ambient exceeds 70 °C.
Panel fit and integration
The 3VA2116-5HN36-0AE0 measures 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, and 86 mm deep — a 3-pole MCCB footprint that drops into standard SENTRON mounting bases. It carries no undervoltage release, no ground-fault monitoring, and no communication module, so it is a straight line-protection device: trip unit only, no auxiliary functions onboard. The supplied basic switch is 3VA21165HN360AA0; the auxiliary switch block is spec'd as 4 auxiliary switches HQ.