What this MCCB delivers for a line-protection circuit
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2116-6HN32-0JL0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 160 A continuous current across the full ambient range from -25 °C to 70 °C — no derating needed up to that ceiling. That flat thermal curve means you can size the breaker for the load without recalculating for panel temperature, which simplifies the BOM for a 160 A feeder or large motor branch. Breaking capacity hits 242 kA at 240 V and still delivers 187 kA at 415 V and 440 V, dropping to 121 kA at 500 V and 3.7 kA at 690 V. That 242 kA figure at 240 V is the headline — it handles high-fault utility feeds or transformer secondaries where available fault current is substantial, and the 187 kA at 415 V covers most European industrial distribution without needing a current-limiting upstream device. Designed for line protection (not motor protection with overload class), this MCCB ships with a shunt trip release (STL) and a full auxiliary switch complement: 2 auxiliary switches + 1 trip alarm switch + 1 electrical alarm switch HQ. That switch count gives the controls integrator enough dry contacts for remote status, fault annunciation, and PLC interlocking without adding external relay blocks.
Panel fit and integration
Footprint is 105 mm wide × 181 mm tall × 86 mm deep — a standard 3-pole MCCB envelope that drops into most SENTRON distribution panels or standalone enclosures. The 86 mm depth leaves clearance for rear-connected busbars or cable ladders behind the DIN rail. Maximum power loss is 25.5 W, which matters for sealed enclosures where heat buildup drives derating or forced ventilation decisions. At 160 A continuous, that loss is in line with similar-frame electronic-trip MCCBs.