What this MCCB is and what it does
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2163-5MN36-0KH0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 63 A continuous current across its full ambient temperature range from 40 °C to 70 °C — no derating needed up to that ceiling. It's designed specifically for motor protection, with built-in phase failure detection and a shunt trip release (STL) for remote tripping. The interrupting capacity hits 187 kA at 240 V, dropping to 121 kA at 415 V and 440 V, then 75.6 kA at 500 V, and 3.7 kA at 690 V — so it handles high-fault industrial distribution panels where the available fault current is substantial.
Mounting and panel fit
The breaker measures 105 mm wide, 181 mm tall, and 86 mm deep — a standard SENTRON 3VA footprint that drops into existing Siemens switchboard layouts or DIN-rail adapter plates. The auxiliary switch configuration (2 auxiliary switches + 1 trip alarm switch HQ) and the shunt trip release are factory-integrated, so no field-assembly of accessories is needed. Maximum power loss is 4 W, which keeps thermal management straightforward in a closed panel.
What the ratings mean for your application
The 63 A rating is flat from 40 °C to 70 °C — that's unusual for an MCCB and means you don't have to derate if the panel runs hot near a motor starter or drive. The interrupting capacity at 415 V (121 kA) covers most European industrial networks; the 690 V rating (3.7 kA) is lower, so verify available fault current if you're on a 690 V system. Phase failure detection is built in, so the breaker will trip on loss of a phase — critical for motor protection where single-phasing can burn out a winding. The shunt trip (STL) allows a remote emergency-stop or PLC signal to open the breaker, which is standard for safety circuits.