160 A MCCB for line protection — what the ratings mean
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2116-6HN32-0KC0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated 160 A continuous at 40 °C through 70 °C — no derating needed across that span, which simplifies panel thermal budgeting. Breaking capacity hits 242 kA at 240 V, stepping down to 187 kA at 415/440 V, 121 kA at 500 V, and 3.7 kA at 690 V. That 242 kA figure at 240 V means it safely interrupts faults up to that level without cascading upstream — critical for high-fault service-entrance or sub-distribution boards where available short-circuit current is high. The shunt trip (STL) release allows remote tripping via a control signal, and the two HQ auxiliary switches provide status feedback to a PLC or annunciator.
Panel integration and dimensions
Dimensions are 105 mm wide, 181 mm tall, 86 mm deep. The 105 mm width is a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint for DIN-rail or panel-mount installation. The shunt trip and auxiliary switches are factory-installed — no field-assembly of those accessories. Line protection design means the breaker is configured for feeder or main protection, not motor-circuit protection (no overload relay curve).