MCCB for line protection — 160 A continuous, 242 kA interrupting at 240 V
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2116-6HL32-0AH0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed for line protection in distribution panels. It carries a rated continuous current of 160 A across the full ambient range from 40 °C to 70 °C — no derating needed up to that ceiling, which simplifies panel sizing in warm enclosures. The interrupting capacity reaches 242 kA at 240 V and 187 kA at 415 V and 440 V, dropping to 121 kA at 500 V and 3.7 kA at 690 V. That 242 kA figure at 240 V puts it in the high-fault tier for North American 240/120 V split-phase services or 240 V delta industrial feeds; the 187 kA at 415 V covers most European 400 V distribution bus faults without cascading upstream breakers.
Sizing and selectivity — what the ratings mean for panel coordination
The 160 A continuous rating is flat from 40 °C to 70 °C, so no ambient-compensation factor is needed when the breaker sits in a warm switchboard next to other heat sources. The rated insulation voltage of 800 V gives headroom above the 690 V maximum operating voltage, meaning the internal clearances and creepage are designed for that ceiling. For selectivity studies, the 242 kA at 240 V and 187 kA at 415 V are the prospective short-circuit currents the breaker can interrupt — downstream devices must be rated for the let-through energy at those levels. The 3.7 kA at 690 V is a steep drop; if the installation runs at 690 V, verify that the available fault current stays below that threshold or add a current-limiting upstream device.
Physical fit and auxiliary wiring
Dimensions are 181 mm high, 105 mm wide, 86 mm deep. The 105 mm width is the standard 3-pole MCCB footprint for this class — it fits a typical 3× 18 mm modular cutout on a DIN-rail adapter plate or direct panel-mount. The auxiliary switch block is factory-configured as 2 auxiliary switches plus 1 trip alarm switch (HQ type), so no separate add-on module is needed for status feedback to a PLC or indication lamp. Power loss at rated current is 25.5 W, which should be accounted for in enclosure thermal calculations if multiple breakers are ganged.