MCCB with 187 kA interrupting rating — selectivity headroom for 240 V distribution
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2163-5HL36-0JA0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated 63 A continuous at 40 °C, with a 187 kA breaking capacity at 240 V AC — that interrupting rating gives you headroom for high-fault panels where upstream coordination demands full selectivity down to the branch feeder. The ETU320 electronic trip unit provides adjustable long-time, short-time, and instantaneous protection curves, so you can shape the trip characteristic to match transformer inrush or motor starting without nuisance trips. A built-in shunt trip (STL) release allows remote opening via a control signal, which is useful for emergency-stop circuits or PLC-driven load shedding.
Thermal derating and ambient limits
The breaker holds its full 63 A rating up to 50 °C ambient. Above that, current must be derated: 60.6 A at 55 °C, 58.3 A at 60 °C, 55.9 A at 65 °C, and 53.6 A at 70 °C. The operating ambient range is -25 °C to +70 °C, with storage from -40 °C to +80 °C. If the panel runs hot — near a drive cabinet or in a non-conditioned enclosure — factor the derating curve into your feeder sizing.
Breaking capacity across voltage levels
The interrupting rating drops as system voltage rises: 121 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 79 kA at 500 V, and 4.25 kA at 690 V. For 480 V delta or 400 V wye industrial feeds, the 121 kA figure still covers most high-fault scenarios. At 690 V the breaker is suitable only for low-fault applications — verify the available fault current before specifying on 690 V systems.
Panel integration and approvals
The breaker measures 105 mm wide × 181 mm high × 86 mm deep — a standard SENTRON 3VA frame that fits Siemens panelboards and switchgear cubicles without adapters. Front-side protection is IP40, meaning tools and fingers are kept out but the breaker is not sealed against water ingress; install in a dry enclosure. The ETU320 release is self-powered from the line current — no external control power needed for the trip function. The shunt trip coil requires a separate 24 V DC or AC signal, depending on the installed module (3VA9688-0BL32).