What this MCCB is and what it protects
The Siemens 3VA2116-6HL32-0HC0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed for line protection — meaning it sits at the feeder or main distribution point, not on a specific motor or load. It's a 3-pole unit rated 160 A continuous current, with a breaking capacity that starts at 242 kA at 240 VAC and holds 187 kA at 415 V and 440 V, then drops to 121 kA at 500 V and 3.7 kA at 690 V. That 242 kA at 240 V tells you this breaker is built for high-fault-capacity installations — think large transformer secondaries or industrial switchboards where prospective fault current is severe.
Ratings that decide the fit
The 160 A continuous rating holds flat across the entire 40 °C to 70 °C ambient range — no derating needed up to 70 °C, which is unusual and useful for a hot panel or outdoor enclosure in direct sun. The shunt trip (STL) release is built in, so you can remotely trip the breaker from a safety circuit or emergency-stop chain. Two auxiliary switches HQ are also fitted, giving you status feedback (open/closed) for a PLC or annunciator without adding external blocks. Power loss is listed at 25.5 W maximum — that's the heat this breaker dumps into the enclosure at full rated current. For a panel designer, that number drives ventilation or derating of adjacent devices. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C, storage from -40 °C to 80 °C.
Panel fit and integration
Dimensions are 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, 86 mm deep — a 3-pole MCCB that fits standard distribution panel cutouts. No communication function on this variant, so it's a standalone thermal-magnetic or electronic-trip breaker (the evidence doesn't specify trip type, but the line-protection designation and shunt trip point to a standard industrial MCCB). Mounts on a DIN rail or direct panel-mount depending on the accessory kit used.