The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2163-5MN36-0JL0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 63 A continuous current, built around the ETU350M electronic overcurrent release. It is the motor-protection variant of the 3VA2 frame, meaning the trip curve and release logic are tailored for motor starting inrush and thermal overload — not for general distribution. The 187 kA breaking capacity at 240 V (121 kA at 415 V) gives it the interrupting capability for high-fault installations, typically transformer secondaries or large motor control centers where SCCR demands exceed what a standard MCB can clear.
Current ratings and thermal derating
Rated continuous current Iu is 63 A, and it holds that rating from 40 °C up to 50 °C ambient. Above that, the ETU350M release derates: 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. In a sealed, uncooled enclosure — typical for motor control centers in hot plant environments — that derating matters. The maximum power loss is 75 W, which drives internal cabinet heating and must be factored into the thermal budget if multiple breakers are ganged.
Trip unit and protection features
The ETU350M is a microprocessor-based release providing adjustable overload (Ir), short-time (Isd), and instantaneous (Ii) protection, plus ground-fault alarm (not trip — this unit ships without ground-fault monitoring). Phase failure detection is included, which is critical for motor protection: losing one phase on a running motor draws locked-rotor current on the remaining phases, and the release catches that imbalance. The breaker also carries a shunt trip (STL) auxiliary release for remote tripping, plus a 2+2 auxiliary contact block (2 auxiliary switches + 1 trip alarm + 1 electrical alarm switch HQ). No undervoltage release or communication module is fitted on this variant.
Physical dimensions and panel fit
The breaker measures 181 mm high × 105 mm wide × 86 mm deep. The 105 mm width is the standard 3-pole 3VA2 frame footprint — it occupies three 35 mm DIN-module positions if panel-mounted, or bolts directly onto a mounting plate. Depth of 86 mm includes the rotary handle and arc-chamber protrusion; clearance behind the panel for the rear terminals should allow at least 100 mm for cable bending radius. Operating temperature range is −25 °C to 70 °C; storage range extends from −40 °C to 80 °C.