Breaking capacity and what it means for your panel
The 3VA2116-6HN32-0CL0: This MCCB delivers 242 kA at 240 V, 187 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 121 kA at 500 V, and 5 kA at 690 V. Those are the interrupting ratings — the fault current it can safely clear without welding contacts or rupturing the case. In a 480 V panel (common in North America) the 187 kA rating covers most transformer-fed service entrances; the 5 kA at 690 V is a reminder that at higher voltages the arc energy is harder to extinguish, so verify your available fault current against the applicable voltage column.
Thermal derating — the real-world current
Rated 160 A from 40 °C through 50 °C ambient inside the enclosure. At 55 °C it derates to 154 A, at 60 °C to 148 A, at 65 °C to 142 A, and at 70 °C to 136 A. If your panel runs hot — say a packed cabinet with drives — size the breaker for the actual ambient, not the nameplate 160 A. The ETU350 electronic trip handles the curve, but the thermal limit is in the frame and contacts.
Auxiliary and undervoltage release configuration
Comes with 2 auxiliary switches plus 1 trip alarm switch plus 1 electrical alarm switch (HQ), plus an integrated undervoltage release (UVR). The UVR trips the breaker when control voltage drops — standard for emergency-off circuits and undervoltage protection on motor feeders. The auxiliary contacts give status feedback to a PLC or SCADA. No communication module or phase-failure detection on this variant.
Physical fit and mounting
Dimensions: 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, 86 mm deep. Mounts on a DIN rail or panel-mount via the SENTRON 3VA accessory range. The 86 mm depth is shallow enough for most 200 mm deep enclosures; check gland-plate clearance for the rear terminals. Latching endurance rated at 20,000 operations — mechanical, not electrical; the electrical endurance will be lower at full load.