What it is and what it does
The Siemens 3VA2163-6HL36-0CH0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed for line protection in distribution panels. It carries a continuous current rating of 63 A at 40 °C through 70 °C — no derating needed across that span — and interrupts fault currents up to 242 kA at 240 V, 187 kA at 415 V, and 121 kA at 500 V. That interrupting capacity means it clears high-fault scenarios without upstream cascading, a key spec for high-available-fault-current installations like transformer secondaries or large motor control centers.
Ratings and what they mean for fit
Three poles, 63 A continuous through the full 40–70 °C ambient range — that's a flat thermal curve, so no headroom calculation needed for warm enclosures. The minimum continuous current setting is 95 A, and the maximum is 756 A, which means this breaker's adjustable thermal-magnetic trip unit can be tuned down to protect a 95 A load or up to cover a 756 A feeder. The interrupting ratings drop at higher voltages: 242 kA at 240 V, 187 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 121 kA at 500 V, and 3.7 kA at 690 V. For a 480 V panel, the 187 kA at 440 V figure is the closest published value — that's well above typical utility fault levels, so selectivity coordination is straightforward.
Built-in auxiliaries and release
This MCCB ships with an undervoltage release (UVR) and a factory-fitted auxiliary switch block: 2 auxiliary switches plus 1 trip alarm switch (HQ configuration). The UVR ensures the breaker trips on loss of control voltage — standard for safety circuits where a dropped control supply must open the main power. The auxiliary switches provide status feedback to a PLC or annunciator without needing an external relay. The basic switch core is order code 3VA2163-6HL36-0AA0, so if you're replacing just the switching mechanism, that's the sub-assembly to order.