Integrator note — 3VA2163-5KP32-0KC0
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2163-5KP32-0KC0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for line protection at 63 A continuous current (Iu), with an ETU850 electronic overcurrent release and a shunt trip (STL) auxiliary release. Its interrupting capacity reaches 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415/440 V, 79 kA at 500 V, and 4.25 kA at 690 V — figures that govern the available fault current the breaker can safely clear without upstream coordination issues. The breaker carries two auxiliary switches (HQ configuration) and an integrated auxiliary trip (3VA9688-0BL33). A communication function is built in, and the supplied basic switch is order code 3VA2163-5KP32-0AA0.
Selectivity and SCCR headroom
The 187 kA interrupting rating at 240 V gives this breaker substantial headroom for high-fault installations — typical commercial and light industrial panels rarely exceed 65 kA, so the margin allows selective coordination with downstream devices. At 415/440 V the 121 kA rating still covers most industrial service-entrance conditions. The 4.25 kA at 690 V is a derated figure; if your system runs at 690 V, verify the available fault current stays under that threshold. The ETU850 release supports adjustable pickup and delay settings, which is what makes selectivity curves achievable without oversizing upstream gear.
Panel integration — dimensions and mounting
The breaker measures 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, and 86 mm deep. It mounts on a DIN rail or can be screw-fixed to a backplate. The 105 mm width is a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint for the SENTRON 3VA platform, so it drops into existing panel cutouts sized for the series. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C. Power loss is 4 W maximum.
Thermal derating and continuous current
Rated continuous current Iu is 63 A, and the breaker holds that rating from 40 °C through 50 °C ambient. Above 55 °C it derates linearly: 60.6375 A at 55 °C, 58.275 A at 60 °C, 55.9125 A at 65 °C, and 53.55 A at 70 °C. For a panel running warm — say 60 °C internal ambient — the effective continuous current is about 58 A, not 63 A. Factor that into your load schedule if the breaker shares an enclosure with heat-producing devices.