What the ratings mean for fit
The Siemens 3VA2163-5HN36-0DA0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) configured for line protection — meaning it protects cables and busbars against overload and short-circuit, not motor overload curves. The 63 A rated continuous current (Iu) holds at ambient temperatures up to 50 °C without derating; above that, the thermal curve steps down: 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. If your panel ambient runs above 50 °C, size the breaker for the derated value, not the nameplate 63 A. Breaking capacity is voltage-dependent and substantial: 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 79 kA at 500 V, and 4.25 kA at 690 V. The 187 kA figure at 240 V means this breaker can interrupt a fault of that magnitude without rupturing — critical for high-available-fault-current installations like transformer secondaries or large busway feeds. At 690 V the capacity drops to 4.25 kA, which still covers most industrial 690 V distribution but not high-fault locations. The ETU350 electronic trip unit provides adjustable overload and short-circuit protection curves. This variant includes an undervoltage release (UVR) — the integrated auxiliary trip is order code 3VA9608-0BB25. The UVR trips the breaker when supply voltage drops below a set threshold, which is standard for safety disconnects on machine feeds or conveyor lines where loss of control voltage must open the main power path.
Panel integration and mounting
Dimensions: 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, 86 mm deep — a standard SENTRON 3VA2 frame size. The 105 mm width is three pole modules at 35 mm per pole, so it occupies three 18 mm DIN positions if panel-mounted via the optional base. Verify the mounting accessory (not included) matches your enclosure's busbar or backplate pattern. Power loss is 6.5 W maximum at rated current — negligible for thermal budgeting in a ventilated enclosure, but worth noting if the panel is sealed and densely packed with multiple breakers. The operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C.