63 A MCCB with ETU320 — high interrupting capacity for line protection
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2163-5HL36-0AG0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 63 A continuous current, built around the ETU320 electronic trip unit. This is a line-protection version — no undervoltage release, no ground-fault monitoring, no communication module — designed for straightforward overcurrent protection in distribution panels. The interrupting capacity is the headline: 187 kA at 240 V AC and 121 kA at 415 V AC, dropping to 79 kA at 500 V and 4.25 kA at 690 V. That 187 kA figure at 240 V means this breaker handles high-fault scenarios typical of large transformer secondaries or busway feeds — it's sized for the main or a heavy feeder, not a branch circuit. Thermal derating is gradual: the breaker holds its full 63 A rating up to 50 °C ambient, then tapers to 60.6375 A at 55 °C, 58.275 A at 60 °C, 55.9125 A at 65 °C, and 53.55 A at 70 °C. In a crowded panel with elevated internal temperatures, that derating curve lets you plan the actual load without oversizing.
Integration — panel fit and auxiliary contacts
Dimensions are 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, 86 mm deep — a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint that mounts on a DIN rail or direct panel. The front face carries IP40 protection, suitable for enclosed distribution boards where tools are the only access. It ships with one auxiliary switch and one trip-alarm switch (HP type), giving remote status indication for the open/closed position and the tripped state. No auxiliary release is fitted, so external shunt or undervoltage coils would need to be added separately if required.
Selectivity and coordination note
With 20,000 mechanical/electrical endurance cycles and the ETU320's adjustable I²t curves, this breaker coordinates well downstream of a larger SENTRON 3VA or upstream of 3RV motor-protective breakers. The 800 V rated insulation voltage (Ui) supports 480/277 V and 600 V systems comfortably.