Line protection MCCB with ETU850 — 160 A, 3-pole
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2116-5KP32-0AH0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 160 A continuous current at 40 °C, with an ETU850 electronic trip unit. It is configured for line protection, meaning it guards the feeder or downstream distribution against overload and short-circuit faults — not motor or generator protection. The interrupting rating at 240 V is 187 kA, which covers most industrial service-entrance and high-fault panelboard applications; at 415 V it still holds 121 kA, so it handles large step-down transformer secondary faults without cascading upstream. The ETU850 is an electronic trip unit with communication capability — the breaker carries a Communication Function flag, which means it can interface with a higher-level energy management or SCADA system via the SENTRON communication modules (not included in this base order code). The auxiliary contact version is 2 auxiliary switches plus 1 trip alarm switch (HQ), giving three discrete signals for status and fault annunciation back to a PLC or DCS.
Thermal derating and enclosure fit
The 160 A rating holds flat from 40 °C through 50 °C ambient — no derating needed in a typical 40 °C panel. At 55 °C it drops to 154 A, at 60 °C to 148 A, and at 70 °C to 136 A. If the breaker sits in a non-ventilated enclosure near other heat sources, use the 55 °C or 60 °C row for your ampacity calculation. The maximum power loss is 25.5 W, which is moderate for a 160 A frame; ensure the enclosure's thermal dissipation can handle that plus adjacent devices. Physical envelope: 105 mm wide, 181 mm tall, 86 mm deep. The width is the critical dimension for multi-breaker lineup spacing on a DIN rail or mounting plate. Front protection is IP40 — suitable for a closed panel; not rated for washdown or outdoor exposure without an additional enclosure.
Selectivity and coordination notes
The interrupting ratings across voltage levels are: 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. The steep drop at 690 V means this breaker is not intended for 690 V line-side applications with high available fault current — verify the point-of-installation SCCR against the 4.25 kA limit if used on a 690 V system. The rated insulation voltage is 800 V, so the internal clearance and creepage are adequate for 690 V phase-to-phase, but the breaking capacity governs the safe application.