Integrator note — 3VA2163-5MN32-0CC0
The Siemens 3VA2163-5MN32-0CC0 is a 3-pole SENTRON molded case circuit breaker in the motor protection version, rated for 63 A continuous current at 40 °C ambient. The ETU350M electronic overcurrent release provides adjustable thermal-magnetic protection and includes phase failure detection — a requirement for three-phase motor circuits where a lost phase can cause single-phasing damage. Breaking capacity is 187 kA at 240 V AC, derating to 121 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 75.6 kA at 500 V, and 17 kA at 690 V. An undervoltage release (UVR) is integrated, and the auxiliary contact block carries two HQ-rated switches for status feedback to the PLC or annunciator.
Mounting and integration
The 3VA2163-5MN32-0CC0 measures 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, and 86 mm deep — a standard SENTRON 3VA footprint that fits Siemens panel-mounting systems and most third-party enclosures with a compatible cutout. Front-face protection is IP40, so the breaker is suited for dry indoor panel environments; no washdown or outdoor rating applies. The supplied basic switch is order code 3VA2163-5MN32-0AA0, and the integrated auxiliary trip is 3VA9608-0BB24 — both are factory-configured and not field-replaceable without disassembly.
Thermal derating curve
The breaker holds its full 63 A rating up to 50 °C ambient. Above that, the rated continuous current derates linearly: 60.48 A at 55 °C, 59.22 A at 60 °C, 57.96 A at 65 °C, and 56.7 A at 70 °C. If the panel ambient exceeds 50 °C, the load current must be reduced accordingly — the breaker will not trip falsely, but the continuous rating is the thermal limit of the internal bimetal and electronics. Maximum power dissipation is 75 W at rated load.