What this 160 A MCCB delivers
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2116-5JQ32-0AF0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated at 160 A full-scale, designed for line protection in distribution panels. It carries a maximum breaking capacity of 187 kA at 240 V, stepping down to 121 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 75.6 kA at 500 V, and 3.7 kA at 690 V — so the interrupting capability is highest at the lower voltages typical of North American 240/277 V services, while still holding a respectable 121 kA at common 400 V-class industrial supplies. The 160 A rating holds flat across the full operating temperature range from 40 °C to 70 °C with no derating, which simplifies panel schedules in warm enclosures or near heat-producing gear. This MCCB includes an onboard communication function, making it suitable for integration into a monitored distribution system where trip events and load data are polled over a bus. The auxiliary switch configuration is listed as 1 auxiliary switch + 1 trip alarm switch HQ, which gives a discrete status contact and a separate alarm contact for remote indication — no need to add an external shunt trip or under-voltage release for basic signaling. Physically, it measures 105 mm wide, 181 mm tall, and 86 mm deep — a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint that fits most Siemens SENTRON panelboards and switchboards without surprise fit issues. Maximum power loss is 25.5 W, which is moderate for a 160 A frame and should be factored into enclosure thermal calculations if the panel is densely populated.
Panel integration and wiring notes
Mounts in a standard SENTRON MCCB panelboard or switchboard cradle. The 105 mm width fits the standard 3-pole slot. Line and load connections accept conductors sized for 160 A continuous.