What this MCCB is and what it does
The Siemens 3VA2163-5JQ32-0KA0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed for line protection in three-phase distribution panels. It is rated 63 A continuous at 40 °C through 70 °C — no derating needed across that full ambient range, which simplifies panel layout when the breaker sits near other heat sources. Three-pole construction handles 3-phase loads. The interrupting ratings are 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 75.6 kA at 500 V, and 3.7 kA at 690 V. That 187 kA at 240 V is the headline number — it tells you this breaker can sit on a high-fault panelboard without needing a current-limiting fuse upstream. The adjustable thermal-magnetic trip unit is set for a full-scale value of 63 A with an initial value of 16 A. The minimum and maximum continuous current settings span 95 A to 756 A — so the trip range is wider than the frame rating, meaning you can dial it down for a smaller load without swapping the breaker body.
Panel fit and integration
Dimensions are 86 mm deep, 105 mm wide, 181 mm tall. The 105 mm width is three-pole standard for the 3VA frame. Equipped with a shunt trip release (STL) for remote tripping and a communication function for integration into a higher-level monitoring system. The basic switch variant is 3VA21635JQ320AA0 — the same breaker without the communication module if you need a drop-in replacement for a non-communicating install. Power loss is 4 W maximum at rated current — negligible for thermal budgeting in a crowded panel. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C.
What the voltage-trigger and trip indicator tell you
The breaker includes a voltage trigger. Undervoltage release is listed as No. Trip indicator is not fitted. Ground-fault monitoring uses summation current formation on the L-conductor — it measures the vector sum of phase currents to detect leakage to ground. This is a residual-current-based GF detection method, not a zero-sequence CT.