What it is and what it does
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2163-5MN36-0AB0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for a continuous current of 63 A, built specifically as a motor protection version with an ETU350M electronic trip unit. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V, and it carries phase failure detection as standard — essential for protecting three-phase motor circuits against single-phasing. The ETU350M release provides adjustable overload and short-circuit protection curves matched to motor starting characteristics, not just thermal-magnetic fixed curves.
Breaking capacity — what the numbers mean for your fault level
This MCCB delivers 187 kA breaking capacity at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 75.6 kA at 500 V, and 17 kA at 690 V. At 415 V, 121 kA covers most industrial secondary substations and large motor control centers without needing upstream current-limiting fuses. The 17 kA rating at 690 V is adequate for 690 V drives and mining applications.
Thermal derating — real-world current capability
Rated 63 A from 40 °C through 50 °C ambient; at 55 °C it derates to 60.48 A, at 60 °C to 59.22 A, at 65 °C to 57.96 A, and at 70 °C to 56.7 A. Operating ambient range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C. Maximum power loss is 75 W — factor that into enclosure ventilation if the panel is densely packed.
Physical fit and auxiliary wiring
Dimensions are 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, and 86 mm deep — standard SENTRON 3VA2 frame footprint for 3-pole 63 A units. Comes with 2 auxiliary switches (HP type) pre-installed; no undervoltage release, no ground-fault monitoring, no communication module on this variant. Front protection class is IP40 — suitable for enclosed panel mounting, not for washdown environments.