What this MCCB is and what the ratings mean
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2116-6HN32-0HC0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 160 A continuous current at 40 °C through 70 °C — no derating needed across that band, which simplifies panel sizing for warm enclosures. 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. That 242 kA figure at 240 V means it can clear a fault up to that level without rupturing, critical for high-fault-capacity service-entrance or industrial distribution panels where available fault current exceeds 100 kA. The 3VA2 frame is designed for line protection (cable/feeder protection), not motor or generator duty — the thermal-magnetic or electronic trip unit is set for overcurrent and short-circuit on distribution circuits.
Built-in accessories and panel integration
This MCCB ships with a shunt trip (STL) for remote tripping and two HQ auxiliary switches for status feedback to a PLC or indicator lamp. The shunt trip allows a safety relay or emergency-stop circuit to open the breaker remotely — common in machinery or conveyor lines where a hard-wired trip is required. No undervoltage release is fitted, so the breaker does not drop out on voltage sag; that is a deliberate choice for processes that must ride through dips. Dimensions are 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, 86 mm deep — a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint that fits SENTRON panelboards and most DIN-rail adapters. The 25.5 W maximum power loss at rated current should be factored into enclosure thermal calculations.