What this MCCB is and what it does
The Siemens 3VA2163-5JQ32-0HC0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed for line protection — meaning its primary job is protecting cable and busbar from overloads and short circuits in a distribution panel, not motor or generator protection. It's a 3-pole unit with a full-scale current rating of 63 A, and it carries an overload setting range from 95 A minimum to 756 A maximum, so the trip threshold is field-adjustable across a wide band to match the downstream conductor ampacity.
Breaking capacity — what the numbers mean for your fault level
The interrupting rating is the spec that decides whether this breaker clears a fault or welds shut. At 240 V it's rated for 187 kA — that's a very high figure, typical for a large-frame MCCB feeding a main switchboard or a high-fault industrial panel. At 415 V and 440 V it holds at 121 kA, then drops to 75.6 kA at 500 V, and falls off sharply to 3.7 kA at 690 V. That steep drop at 690 V means this breaker is not intended for 690 V main service; it's a 480 V class device with a generous safety margin for most North American and European 400 V distribution.
Thermal rating — flat across the operating range
The 63 A rating holds flat from 40 °C through 70 °C ambient — no derating needed up to that ceiling. That's unusual for an MCCB; many competitors start derating above 40 °C. The operating temperature floor is -25 °C, storage range -40 °C to 80 °C. Maximum power loss is 4 W, which is low enough that ventilation spacing in the panel is not a concern for this breaker alone.
Auxiliary and communication options
This variant ships with two auxiliary switches (HQ type) and a shunt trip release (STL) for remote tripping. It also includes a communication function via a plug-in module.
Physical fit and panel integration
Dimensions are 105 mm wide, 181 mm tall, 86 mm deep — a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint that fits most Siemens SENTRON distribution panels and third-party enclosures with a 105 mm cutout. The depth of 86 mm means it will clear a typical 200 mm deep enclosure door without interference. Mounting is via screw-clamp terminals on the line and load sides; no DIN-rail clip on this frame class.