What this SENTRON 3VA2116-7HM42-0AA0 is and what it does
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2116-7HM42-0AA0 is a 4-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 160 A continuous current (Iu) with an ETU330 electronic overcurrent release. It is designed for line protection in distribution panels where high fault current capacity is required — the 330 kA breaking capacity at 240 V and 242 kA at 415 V place it in the high-interrupting category, suitable for large transformer secondaries or busway feeds where available fault current is substantial. The ETU330 release provides adjustable time-current curves (tr min 0.5 s to tr max 17 s), giving the panel builder selectivity coordination flexibility downstream.
Breaking capacity across voltages — what it means for your system
The 3VA2116-7HM42-0AA0 delivers 330 kA at 240 V, 242 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 187 kA at 500 V, and 3.8 kA at 690 V. The steep drop at 690 V is characteristic of a breaker optimized for 240–500 V distribution — at 690 V it still interrupts, but the 3.8 kA figure means it is not the first choice for 690 V motor circuits unless the fault current is confirmed below that level. For most 400–480 V industrial panels, the 242 kA rating provides generous headroom above typical available fault currents, simplifying coordination studies.
Thermal performance — flat 160 A from 40 °C to 70 °C
The breaker holds its full 160 A rating across the entire ambient range from 40 °C to 70 °C (–). No derating is required up to 70 °C, which simplifies panel layout in warm environments or enclosures with multiple heat sources. The maximum power loss is 25.5 W — a figure to check against the enclosure's thermal dissipation budget when grouping several breakers in a sealed cabinet.
Mounting and integration notes
Dimensions are 181 mm high, 140 mm wide, 86 mm deep (–). The 140 mm width for a 4-pole frame is standard for SENTRON 3VA2 breakers — verify the existing panel cutout or mounting plate matches this footprint before ordering. Front IP40 protection means it is suited for indoor panel mounting where no water spray is present; for washdown environments, additional enclosure protection is needed. The adjustable N-conductor protection (OFF, 50%, 100%) and ground-fault monitoring via summation current formation on L+N are configured via the ETU330 interface — set these before installation.
Key approvals and compliance documentation
As a Siemens SENTRON product, the 3VA2116-7HM42-0AA0 carries the manufacturer's standard compliance documentation package including CE marking for the European market, and is designed to meet IEC 60947-2 for molded case circuit breakers. The rated insulation voltage Ui of 800 V confirms its suitability for 690 V systems. For specific UL/CSA listings or RoHS/REACH declarations, the manufacturer's documentation portal provides the current declarations by order code.