MCCB for line protection with communication and auxiliary switching
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2116-5KP32-0DK0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 160 A continuous current, designed for line protection in distribution panels. Its interrupting capacity reaches 187 kA at 240 V and 121 kA at 415 V and 440 V, which means it can safely clear high-fault currents on the secondary side of a large transformer or at a main service entrance without upstream coordination failure. The breaker includes a communication function for integration into a monitored distribution system, plus an undervoltage release (UVR) that trips the breaker when supply voltage drops below a set threshold — useful for preventing motor re-acceleration after a sag.
Interrupting ratings and selectivity planning
This MCCB carries a 160 A frame with a 1 600 A maximum trip setting range, giving the site electrical engineer room to dial in the long-time pickup between 240 A and 1 600 A for selective coordination with downstream breakers. The interrupting ratings step down with voltage: 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. At typical 400 V industrial feeds, the 121 kA SCCR covers most utility transformer secondary faults without requiring a current-limiting fuse upstream.
Panel integration and auxiliary wiring
The breaker measures 105 mm wide, 181 mm tall, and 86 mm deep — a standard SENTRON 3VA2 frame footprint that mounts directly onto a DIN rail or panel-mount adapter. It ships with one auxiliary switch, one trip alarm switch, and one electrical alarm switch (HQ type), plus the undervoltage release. The auxiliary switches share the same mechanism as the main contacts; verify the free-wheel diode polarity on the UVR coil before energizing to avoid damaging the release.
Thermal performance across ambient range
The breaker holds its full 160 A rating from 40 °C through 70 °C ambient — no derating needed in a warm enclosure. Maximum power loss is 28 W at rated current. Storage range spans -40 °C to 80 °C, and operating ambient goes from -25 °C to 70 °C.