What this MCCB delivers — and what the ratings mean for your panel
The Siemens 3VA2163-5HN36-0BC0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 63 A continuous current across its full ambient range from 40 °C to 70 °C — no derating needed up to that ceiling, which simplifies panel thermal calculations for a standard 65 °C switchroom. Interrupting capacity hits 187 kA at 240 V, dropping to 121 kA at 415 V and 440 V, then 75.6 kA at 500 V, and 3.7 kA at 690 V. That 187 kA figure at 240 V means this breaker can clear a bolted fault on a low-voltage distribution transformer secondary without the arc re-striking — critical for high-fault locations like service entrances or industrial MDPs. Three-pole construction with an undervoltage release (UVR) built in, plus two HQ auxiliary switches for status feedback. The UVR drops the breaker if control voltage falls below the dropout threshold — standard for emergency-stop circuits or undervoltage protection on motor feeders where restart after a dip is undesirable. Designed for line protection — not motor protection, not feeder protection with ground-fault monitoring. This variant omits the ground-fault module, so if your spec calls for GF protection on a 63 A feeder, you need the -8HM32 sibling or an external relay.
Integration — panel fit and wiring constraints
Footprint: 105 mm wide, 181 mm tall, 86 mm deep. That 105 mm width is three pole widths on a standard 35 mm DIN rail — verify adjacent device spacing if you're packing breakers side-by-side in a multi-feed panel, because the HQ auxiliary switch stack adds depth behind the escutcheon. Maximum power loss is 6.5 W per pole at rated current — negligible for most enclosures, but worth noting if you're grouping several breakers in a sealed, non-ventilated box where internal temperature rise compounds. Operating temperature range -25 °C to 70 °C; storage from -40 °C to 80 °C. The 70 °C operating ceiling matches the continuous-current rating table, so no hidden derating curve to chase for high-ambient installations like rooftop enclosures or boiler rooms.
What the auxiliary switch complement means for your control circuit
Two HQ auxiliary switches are included — HQ denotes high-rupturing-capacity contacts rated for control-circuit isolation without welding on inductive loads. That saves you buying a separate auxiliary block for status feedback to a PLC or signal lamp. The basic switch assembly carries order code 3VA21635HN360AA0 if you ever need to replace just the switching mechanism. No communication function on this variant — no Modbus, no PROFIBUS, no IO-Link. If remote trip indication or energy monitoring is required, look at the -8HM32 or other SENTRON 3VA2 variants with the communication module option.