160 A MCCB with ETU860 — selectivity and communication in a 4-pole frame
The Siemens 3VA2116-5KQ46-0AA0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) with a continuous current rating of 160 A across the full ambient range from 40 °C to 70 °C — no derating needed up to that ceiling. The 4-pole design with the ETU860 electronic trip unit gives you adjustable N-conductor protection (OFF, 20 % to 100 %) and a communication function for integration into a monitored distribution system. The interrupting ratings are the headline: 187 kA at 240 V AC, 121 kA at 415 V and 440 V AC, 75.6 kA at 500 V AC, and 3.7 kA at 690 V AC — figures that cover most industrial service-entrance and feeder applications. The rated insulation voltage is 800 V, and the operating voltage goes to 690 V AC.
What the interrupting ratings mean for your panel
A 187 kA SCCR at 240 V means this breaker can safely interrupt a fault current up to that level without catastrophic failure — critical for high-capacity transformer secondaries or large motor control centers where available fault current is high. At 415 V and 440 V, the 121 kA rating still covers most heavy industrial services. The drop to 75.6 kA at 500 V and 3.7 kA at 690 V is typical for this frame size; at 690 V you are near the upper voltage limit, so verify the available fault current at that voltage against the 3.7 kA ceiling. The 160 A continuous rating is flat from 40 °C to 70 °C, which simplifies panel thermal calculations — no temperature-correction factor to apply within that band.
Integration notes
The 3VA2116-5KQ46-0AA0 mounts in a standard panel or enclosure footprint. Dimensions are 181 mm height, 140 mm width, and 86 mm depth. The front face carries an IP40 protection class — suitable for general indoor panel installation where no water jets or dust ingress are expected. The ETU860 trip unit is adjustable, and the N-conductor protection can be set to OFF or between 20 % and 100 % of the phase current. The communication function allows remote monitoring and control via the SENTRON bus system. Storage temperature range is -40 °C to 80 °C; operating ambient is -25 °C to 70 °C. Maximum power loss is 25.5 W.