What this MCCB is and what it does
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2116-5JQ46-0AA0 is a molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed for line protection in distribution panels. It is rated for 160 A continuous current and carries a 4-pole configuration, meaning it switches and protects all four conductors — three phases plus neutral — in a three-phase system. The key selection figure is the interrupting capacity: 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V/440 V, 75.6 kA at 500 V, and 3.7 kA at 690 V. That 187 kA at 240 V tells you this breaker can safely clear a fault up to 187,000 A at that voltage without rupturing — critical for high-fault-capacity panels near large transformers or service entrances. It includes a communication function and summation-current ground-fault monitoring on the L+N conductors, so it can report status and detect ground leaks without a separate module.
Ratings and what they mean for fit
The 160 A continuous rating holds across the full ambient temperature range from 40 °C to 70 °C with no derating — all entries show 160 A. That simplifies panel sizing: no thermal correction factor needed up to 70 °C ambient. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V, so the internal clearances and creepage distances are designed for 800 V systems even though the breaking capacity drops at higher voltages. Maximum power loss is 25.5 W — relevant for ventilation planning in a sealed enclosure. Dimensions are 181 mm high, 140 mm wide, 86 mm deep.
Integration notes
Mounts on a DIN rail or directly to a panel backplate via the molded-case footprint. The 86 mm depth fits standard enclosures with clearance for rear-connected busbars. The communication function allows integration with a higher-level control system for remote trip indication and load monitoring — no separate aux contact block required for basic status.