Siemens SENTRON 3VA2116-8HM42-0AA0 — 160 A MCCB, Line Protection, 4-Pole
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2116-8HM42-0AA0 is a 4-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 160 A continuous current, designed for line protection in distribution panels. Its breaking capacity hits 440 kA at 240 V, 330 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 220 kA at 500 V, and 52.5 kA at 690 V — so it handles high-fault scenarios across common industrial voltages without cascading upstream. The 160 A rating holds flat from 40 °C up to 70 °C ambient, meaning no derating headache in a warm enclosure. Insulation voltage is rated at 800 V, covering 480 V and 600 V class systems with margin.
Sizing and Selectivity Notes
This breaker carries a minimum setting of 240 A and a maximum of 1 600 A, with a full-scale value of 160 A and an initial value of 32 A — an electronic trip unit with adjustable long-time pickup. Ground-fault monitoring is built in using summation current formation on L + N, so it can detect residual currents without an external module. No undervoltage release, no voltage trigger, no communication function — it's a standalone line-protection device, not a smart breaker.
Mechanical Fit and Environment
The 3VA2116-8HM42-0AA0 measures 86 mm deep, 140 mm wide, and 181 mm tall — a standard MCCB footprint for panel-mount installation on a DIN rail or backplate. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C. Power loss at rated load is 19.7 W maximum, which is manageable for ventilation planning in a sealed enclosure.