What it is and what it does
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2116-6HL32-0CL0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 160 A continuous current across the full ambient range from 40 °C up to 70 °C — no derating needed in a warm cabinet. Breaking capacity is the headline: 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 figure at 240 V means it can safely interrupt a fault current up to 242,000 A without the arc flashing over — critical for high-fault panels near large transformers or capacitor banks. Designed for line protection (not motor or generator protection), it ships with an undervoltage release (UVR) and a complement of auxiliary switches: 2 auxiliary switches plus 1 trip alarm switch plus 1 electrical alarm switch HQ.
Panel fit and integration
Dimensions: 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, 86 mm deep. Maximum power loss is 28 W. In a sealed, non-ventilated enclosure that 28 W adds to the internal heat rise; factor it into your thermal budget if the panel is densely packed. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C. The 160 A rating holds flat across the entire operating band — no curve to derate.