160 A MCCB with flat thermal derating and 242 kA SCCR headroom
The Siemens 3VA2116-6JQ36-0AA0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker rated for 160 A continuous current (Iu) across its full ambient temperature range — it holds 160 A from 40 °C through 70 °C with no derating step, which simplifies panel sizing in warm enclosures. The 242 kA interrupting rating at 240 V gives substantial fault-current headroom for high-capacity transformer-fed distribution, dropping to 187 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 121 kA at 500 V, and 3.7 kA at 690 V. The 3-pole frame carries an ETU560 electronic trip unit with communication function, ground-fault monitoring via summation current formation on the L-conductor, and an optional motor drive extension. Insulation voltage is rated 800 V Ui, and front-face protection is IP40.
Selectivity and coordination — what the ratings mean for your panel
The 242 kA SCCR at 240 V means this breaker safely interrupts faults up to that level without cascading upstream — critical for transformer secondary protection where available fault current is high. The 187 kA at 415 V covers the common European low-voltage distribution voltage. The 3.7 kA at 690 V is a sharp drop; if your system runs 690 V line-to-line, verify that the available fault current stays under that threshold, or upstream protection must limit it. The flat 160 A derating curve from 40 °C to 70 °C is unusual — most MCCBs begin derating above 40 °C. That gives you consistent ampacity in a hot panel without oversizing the frame.
Panel integration and mounting
The 3VA2116-6JQ36-0AA0 measures 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, and 86 mm deep — a 3-pole frame that fits standard MCCB panel cutouts. Front-face protection is IP40, suitable for enclosed distribution boards where no washdown exposure occurs. The optional motor drive extension allows remote closing or opening. The ETU560 electronic trip unit supports communication, so you can integrate status and trip data into a BMS or PLC over the breaker's communication interface.