What the ratings mean for fit
The 3VA2116-6HL36-0BC0 is a Siemens SENTRON molded case circuit breaker rated for 160 A continuous current at 40 °C through 70 °C — meaning no derating across the full operating temperature range of the panel, which is unusual and simplifies panel design. Its 242 kA breaking capacity at 240 V and 187 kA at 415 V tells you it handles high-fault-current scenarios typical of large transformer secondaries or industrial mains without cascading upstream. The 3-pole design with undervoltage release (UVR) and 2 auxiliary switches HQ makes it a line-protection breaker that also signals its state back to a PLC or safety circuit.
Panel integration and dimensions
At 86 mm deep, 105 mm wide, and 181 mm tall, this breaker fits standard MCCB mounting footprints in distribution panels. The 3-pole body with integrated undervoltage release and auxiliary switches means no external add-on modules eating DIN rail space — wire the UVR coil and the auxiliary contacts directly. Power loss is 28 W maximum, so ventilation in a sealed enclosure is worth checking if multiple breakers are ganged.
Breaking capacity across voltages
The SCCR curve drops from 242 kA at 240 V to 187 kA at 415 V and 440 V, then to 121 kA at 500 V, and finally 3.7 kA at 690 V. That steep drop at 690 V means this is not a 690 V workhorse — it's sized for 240–500 V systems where the fault current is high. The 160 A continuous rating holds flat from 40 °C to 70 °C, which is a strong thermal design.