The Siemens 3VA2116-6HL32-0AC0 is a SENTRON 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for line protection, carrying a continuous current Iu of 160 A and an ETU320 electronic trip unit. It's a current-production part, so this is what you'd spec into a new BOM or use as a direct replacement for an existing 3VA2 frame in the field.
Breaking capacity and what it means for your panel
The interrupting ratings here are substantial: 242 kA at 240 V, 187 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 121 kA at 500 V, and 5 kA at 690 V. That 242 kA figure at 240 V tells you this breaker can handle a high-fault utility feed or a large transformer secondary without needing a current-limiting fuse upstream — it's sized for main or heavy feeder duty in an industrial switchboard.
Thermal derating and real-world current
Rated 160 A continuous up to 50 °C ambient, then it derates: 154 A at 55 °C, 148 A at 60 °C, 142 A at 65 °C, and 136 A at 70 °C. If your panel runs hot — say a non-ventilated enclosure near a furnace line — that 136 A at 70 °C is the number you need to coordinate with your load. The 25.5 W maximum power loss matters for enclosure thermal calculations too.
Trip unit and auxiliary contacts
The ETU320 is an electronic trip unit with LI (long-time and instantaneous) protection curves — no ground-fault or voltage-trip function on this variant. It ships with 2 auxiliary switches (HQ type) built in, which is handy for status feedback to a PLC or for a shunt-trip monitoring circuit. No undervoltage release, no communication module, no phase-failure detection; this is a straightforward thermal-magnetic replacement with electronic precision.
Physical fit and environment
Dimensions are 105 mm wide, 181 mm tall, 86 mm deep — a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint for a 160 A frame. IP40 on the front means it's protected against tools and small wires but not against water ingress, so it belongs inside a closed panel, not in a washdown zone. Operating range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage from -40 °C to 80 °C.