Siemens SENTRON 3VA2163-6HL36-0DL0 — 63 A MCCB with Undervoltage Release
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2163-6HL36-0DL0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 63 A continuous current at 40 °C, with no derating required up to 70 °C — the full 63 A holds across the entire ambient range. Breaking capacity is 242 kA at 240 V AC and 187 kA at 415/440 V, dropping to 121 kA at 500 V and 3.7 kA at 690 V. This is a line-protection design (not motor-protection), fitted with an undervoltage release (UVR) and a complement of two auxiliary switches, one trip alarm switch, and one electrical alarm switch. The UVR ensures the breaker trips on loss of control voltage — critical for machinery where an undervoltage condition must isolate the load. The auxiliary switch complement (2 NO/NC + trip + electrical alarm) provides status feedback for PLC inputs or remote annunciation, supporting a clean audit trail on what state the breaker is in.
Breaking Capacity and Selectivity Planning
At 242 kA at 240 V and 187 kA at 415 V, this MCCB handles very high fault currents typical of large transformer-fed distribution boards. The sharp drop to 3.7 kA at 690 V means it is not intended for 690 V line-side applications — it is a 240/415 V rated device. For 690 V systems, a higher-voltage rated frame is needed. The 63 A continuous rating with flat derating to 70 °C simplifies panel thermal budgeting: no need to oversize for elevated ambient temperatures in a sealed enclosure.
Lifecycle and Sourcing
The supplied basic switch for this variant is 3VA2163-6HL36-0AA0; the order code 3VA2163-6HL36-0DL0 adds the undervoltage release and the full auxiliary switch complement. If a panel was specified around the 3VA2163-5HL32-0DB0 (a similar 3-pole 63 A frame), verify the auxiliary switch count and UVR presence — the -6HL36-0DL0 carries more aux contacts and a UVR, so it may require additional wiring space but drops into the same mounting footprint.
Physical Integration and Wiring
Dimensions: 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, 86 mm deep. Mounts on a DIN rail or panel-mount via the SENTRON base. The 3-pole design occupies a standard 105 mm module width. The undervolture release coil must be wired to the appropriate control voltage; the auxiliary switches are pre-wired to the terminal block on the breaker face. Power loss is 6.5 W maximum — negligible for enclosure heat rise calculations but worth noting for tightly packed cabinets. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage from -40 °C to 80 °C. The 63 A rating is maintained without derating across the full operating range, which simplifies panel design for unconditioned spaces.