The Siemens 3VA2163-5MN32-0AB0 is a SENTRON 3VA2 molded case circuit breaker in the motor protection version, rated 63 A continuous current with an ETU350M electronic overcurrent release. Three poles, 800 V rated insulation voltage, and a maximum interrupting capacity of 187 kA at 240 V — that SCCR figure means it can clear a bolted fault at that level without rupturing, which is the deciding number for panel coordination studies on high-capacity transformer secondaries. The 63 A rating holds flat from 40 °C through 50 °C, then derates to 56.7 A at 70 °C; if your panel ambient runs hot, that derating curve is what governs the actual load it can carry.
SCCR and selectivity — what the ratings mean for panel coordination
The 187 kA at 240 V is the headline SCCR, but the real-world selectivity planning happens at the 415 V and 440 V levels where it still holds 121 kA. At 500 V it drops to 75.6 kA, and at 690 V to 17 kA. For a 480 V distribution panel (common in North American industrial), the 75.6 kA at 500 V is the relevant bound — that is the fault current the breaker can interrupt without upstream devices needing to clear. The ETU350M release supports adjustable I²t curves for selective coordination with downstream feeders; phase failure detection is built in, which matters for motor protection where a single-phased condition can burn a winding before thermal overloads respond.
Panel fit and integration
Dimensions are 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, 86 mm deep — a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint that fits SENTRON 3VA2 mounting plates and busbar adapters. The front face carries IP40 protection, so it is suited for enclosed panel mounting where no water spray reaches the operator interface. Two HP auxiliary switches are integrated (changeover contacts for status feedback to a PLC or alarm annunciator). Maximum power loss of 75 W at rated load means the panel ventilation must handle that heat; in a sealed enclosure with multiple breakers, the cumulative dissipation drives the cooling calculation.