What it is and what it does
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2116-8HN36-0AA0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 160 A continuous current, designed for line protection in distribution panels and industrial switchgear. The ETU350 electronic trip unit provides adjustable overload and short-circuit protection curves, giving the integrator selectivity coordination options that a thermal-magnetic breaker cannot match. Breaking capacity is 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 — figures that cover most industrial service-entrance and feeder applications without needing a current-limiting upstream device.
Ratings that govern the fit
Continuous current holds at 160 A across the full ambient range from 40 °C to 70 °C — no derating curve to track for typical panel environments. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V, so the breaker is suitable for 690 V line-to-line systems with margin. Power loss at rated current is 19.7 W maximum — relevant for enclosed panel thermal calculations and for sizing the compartment ventilation. Front face carries IP40 protection, meaning it is protected against tools and wires >1 mm but not against water ingress; keep it inside a rated enclosure.
Lifecycle and sourcing posture
Lifecycle stage is marked as current production — this is an active catalog number, not a phase-out or NRND line.
Physical integration
Dimensions are 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, and 86 mm deep — a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint that fits most Siemens SENTRON mounting bases and panel cutouts. No undervoltage release, no voltage trigger, no communication function, and no ground-fault monitoring on this variant — specify the -5JP32 or -5HL32 suffix if those features are needed.