What it is and what it does
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2116-5KP32-0KC0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 160 A continuous current across the full 40 °C to 70 °C ambient range — no derating needed up to that ceiling. It is designed for line protection in industrial distribution panels, with a short-circuit breaking capacity of 187 kA at 240 V AC and 121 kA at 415/440 V AC. That SCCR headroom means it can safely interrupt high-fault currents on the secondary side of a large transformer or at a main switchboard without cascading upstream. The 86 mm depth and 105 mm width fit standard MCCB mounting footprints in a SENTRON panelboard or DIN-rail adapter.
Breaking capacity and selectivity
The 3VA2116-5KP32-0KC0 carries a rated ultimate short-circuit breaking capacity (Icu) of 187 kA at 240 V AC and 121 kA at 415/440 V AC. At 500 V AC it still holds 75.6 kA, and at 690 V AC it drops to 3.7 kA. For a 480 V distribution panel, the 121 kA at 440 V is the relevant figure — enough for most industrial service entrances with a transformer upstream. The 160 A continuous rating is flat from 40 °C through 70 °C, so no thermal derating tables are needed in a warm enclosure. Maximum power loss is 25.5 W, which matters for enclosure heat-load calculations.
Built-in accessories and communication
This variant ships with a shunt trip (STL) for remote tripping and two HQ auxiliary switches for status feedback to a PLC or DCS. It also includes a communication function — the 3VA platform supports optional communication modules for PROFIBUS, PROFINET, or Modbus RTU, enabling power monitoring and remote reset capability. The undervoltage release is not fitted, so if undervoltage protection is needed, specify a different variant or add an external relay. The trip indicator is not present, meaning visual trip flag is absent — the auxiliary switches serve as the remote indication path.
Panel fit and mounting
Dimensions are 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, and 86 mm deep. The 105 mm width matches the standard 3-pole MCCB footprint for SENTRON panelboards and most DIN-rail adapters. The 86 mm depth leaves clearance for rear-mounted busbars and wiring ducts in a 200 mm deep enclosure. Spring-cage terminals accept 0.2–2.5 mm² solid or ferruled stranded conductors — strip length 8 mm avoids whiskers under the cage.