The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2116-6HL32-0AD0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for line protection. It carries a continuous current of 160 A flat across the entire 40 °C to 70 °C operating range — no derating curve to chase in a hot panel. The interrupting ratings are what define this breaker: 242 kA at 240 V, 187 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 121 kA at 500 V, and 3.7 kA at 690 V. That 242 kA at 240 V is a high-fault-capability frame, sized for main feeders in industrial switchboards where available fault current is stiff.
What the ratings mean for fit
The 160 A continuous rating is the breaker's frame size — it tells you the maximum load it can carry without tripping on thermal overload. Because it holds 160 A from 40 °C up to 70 °C, you don't have to derate for ambient temperature inside the enclosure; that simplifies panel thermal calculations. The 242 kA SCCR at 240 V means this breaker can safely interrupt a fault current up to that level without welding its contacts or rupturing — critical for upstream coordination in high-fault installations. The 800 V rated insulation voltage confirms it's suitable for 480 V and 600 V class systems with margin. No undervoltage release, no ground-fault monitoring, no communication function — this is a straight line-protection device, not a multifunction trip unit.
Panel fit and wiring
The 3VA frame dimensions are 86 mm deep, 105 mm wide, and 181 mm tall. That 105 mm width on a 3-pole MCCB is standard for the SENTRON 3VA platform — it mounts on a mounting plate or DIN rail, and the line/load lugs accept copper or aluminum conductors sized for 160 A. The 25.5 W maximum power loss at rated current means the breaker dissipates heat into the enclosure; factor that into your panel thermal budget, especially in a sealed NEMA 12 cabinet. The auxiliary switch configuration is 3 HQ switches, which gives you three form-C contacts for status feedback to the PLC or annunciator panel.