The Siemens 3VA2116-6HN32-0AE0 is a SENTRON 3VA2 molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) with a 160 A continuous current rating and a 3-pole configuration, designed for line protection in distribution panels. Its 242 kA breaking capacity at 240 V AC means it can safely interrupt very high fault currents at that voltage level, which is critical for main feeders in industrial switchgear where available fault current is high.
Breaking capacity and selectivity
This MCCB delivers 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. The steep drop at 690 V tells you this breaker is optimized for 240–500 V distribution — at 690 V it's still rated but the fault-clearing margin narrows. For a site electrical engineer building a selective coordination study, the 187 kA at 415 V gives headroom for most industrial main breakers; downstream breakers can be sized with confidence that this upstream device clears fast enough to avoid cascading.
Thermal rating and derating
The 160 A continuous rating holds flat from 40 °C all the way to 70 °C ambient — no derating needed across that range. That's unusual for an MCCB; most lose 10–20 % by 60 °C. For a panel builder integrating this into a high-ambient enclosure (pump skid, compressor room, solar combiner), the 160 A nameplate is the real number at operating temperature. Maximum power loss is 25.5 W, which matters for enclosure heat-load calculations.
Physical fit and panel integration
Dimensions are 181 mm high, 105 mm wide, 86 mm deep. The 105 mm width is standard for a 3-pole MCCB in this class — it fits existing SENTRON mounting bases and busbar systems without adapters. The 86 mm depth includes the arc chamber; verify clearance behind the panel door for the switching mechanism throw.