What it is and what the ratings mean
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2116-5HN42-0AC0 is a 4-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 160 A continuous current across the full ambient range from 40 °C to 70 °C — no derating needed up to that ceiling. That flat thermal curve simplifies panel design: you don't have to oversize the frame for a warm enclosure. The ETU350 electronic trip unit provides adjustable overload and short-circuit protection, with a line protection version meaning it's tuned for feeder and distribution duty rather than motor or generator protection. Breaking capacity is the headline here: 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 75.6 kA at 500 V, and 3.7 kA at 690 V. Those numbers mean this breaker can safely interrupt very high fault currents on the low-voltage side of a distribution transformer — typical for large commercial or industrial switchboards where the available fault current is high. At 690 V the capacity drops to 3.7 kA, so if you're on a 690 V system, verify your fault level fits within that envelope. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V, and the breaker carries two HQ (high-availability) auxiliary switches for status feedback to a PLC or SCADA. The 25.5 W maximum power loss is the heat you need to vent from the enclosure — factor it into your thermal budget if the panel is densely packed.
Panel integration and footprint
The 3VA2116-5HN42-0AC0 measures 140 mm wide, 181 mm high, and 86 mm deep. That's a standard 4-pole MCCB footprint — it mounts on a DIN rail or directly to a backplate via the screw terminals. The 86 mm depth is shallow enough to fit in a 200 mm deep enclosure with room for wiring behind it. No undervoltage release, no voltage trigger, no communication module — this is a plain breaker with aux contacts; if you need remote tripping or metering, you'll add those externally.