What it is and what it does
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2116-6HL32-0DC0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for line protection, carrying 160 A continuous current across the full ambient range from 40 °C to 70 °C — no derating needed up to that ceiling. Its interrupting capacity hits 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 — so it handles high-fault utility feeds at the lower voltages and still clears a 690 V fault, though the margin tightens there.
Lifecycle and sourcing reality
It ships with an undervoltage release (UVR) and two auxiliary switches HQ, plus the basic switch 3VA21166HL320AA0 is the supplied internal component. The UVR means the breaker trips on loss of control voltage — standard for safety circuits that need a drop-out on power loss.
Panel fit and integration
Dimensions are 181 mm high, 105 mm wide, 86 mm deep — fits standard MCCB panel cutouts; the 86 mm depth leaves room for rear bus connections in a typical distribution cabinet. Maximum power loss is 28 W, so ventilation in a sealed enclosure is advisable if multiple breakers are ganged — that heat adds up. Operating range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage from -40 °C to 80 °C. The 160 A continuous rating holds flat across the operating band — no thermal derating curve to chase.
What the ratings mean for your BOM line
The 160 A continuous rating at 40-70 °C means this breaker carries a full 160 A load even in a hot panel near the top of its ambient range. The 242 kA interrupting at 240 V is the headline number for high-fault applications (utility transformer secondary, large motor control centers). At 415 V the 187 kA still covers most industrial service entrances. The 3.7 kA at 690 V is low — if your fault current at 690 V exceeds that, this breaker is not the right choice for that voltage level.