Siemens SENTRON 3VA2163-5HL36-0AH0 — 63 A MCCB for Line Protection
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2163-5HL36-0AH0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 63 A continuous current at up to 70 °C ambient, meaning it holds its full rating across a wide panel temperature range without derating — useful when the breaker sits near other heat-generating components in a crowded enclosure. Its breaking capacity is 187 kA at 240 V AC, dropping to 121 kA at 415 V and 440 V, then 75.6 kA at 500 V, and 3.7 kA at 690 V — the high 187 kA figure at 240 V makes it suitable for installation close to large transformers or high-fault-capacity utility feeds where upstream fault current can exceed 100 kA. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V, and the breaker is designed specifically for line protection (not motor or generator protection), so it coordinates well with downstream branch breakers in a selective coordination study.
Integration — Dimensions, Auxiliaries, and Panel Fit
Dimensions are 181 mm height, 105 mm width, and 86 mm depth — a standard SENTRON 3VA2 frame size that mounts on a DIN rail or directly to a backplate in a distribution panel. The breaker ships with a pre-installed auxiliary switch block: 2 auxiliary switches plus 1 trip alarm switch (HQ type), which provides remote status indication for the open/closed and tripped states without needing a separate add-on module. The basic switch assembly carries order code 3VA21635HL360AA0, which is the replaceable switching mechanism inside the molded case — useful to know if the breaker trips frequently under fault and the contacts need swapping rather than replacing the whole unit. A mechanical trip indicator is present, and the breaker has no undervoltage release, no ground-fault monitoring, and no communication function — it is a straightforward thermal-magnetic line-protection device without extra electronics. Maximum power loss is 4 W, which is low enough that no forced cooling is needed in a standard IP40 enclosure, but the designer should still account for it in the thermal budget if multiple breakers are ganged.
Temperature Range and Storage
Operating ambient range is -25 °C to +70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to +80 °C. The 70 °C operating max matches the continuous current rating, so the breaker can be installed in a hot machine cabinet or near a furnace without derating.