What this MCCB is and what it does
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2163-6HN36-0KA0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed for line protection — meaning its primary job is protecting cables and busbars from overloads and short circuits in a distribution panel, not switching motor loads. It carries a continuous rated current of 63 A across the full ambient temperature range from 40 °C to 70 °C without derating, which simplifies panel sizing when the breaker sits near other heat sources.
Breaking capacity — what the numbers mean for your fault level
This MCCB delivers 242 kA interrupting capacity at 240 V, dropping to 187 kA at 415 V and 440 V, then 121 kA at 500 V, and 3.7 kA at 690 V. The 242 kA figure at 240 V is exceptionally high — it handles faults on the secondary side of a large distribution transformer without needing a current-limiting fuse upstream. At 690 V the 3.7 kA rating is modest; if your system runs at that voltage with high available fault current, this breaker needs coordination with an upstream device.
Shunt trip and auxiliary release
The 3VA2163-6HN36-0KA0 includes a shunt trip (STL) as the auxiliary release — a remote-trip coil that lets a safety PLC, emergency-stop circuit, or fire-alarm panel open the breaker by applying a control voltage. There is no undervoltage release fitted, so the breaker does not drop out on loss of control power; that is a deliberate choice for applications where you want the line to stay live unless explicitly commanded to trip. No auxiliary switch is included, so remote status feedback requires an add-on module.
Physical fit and panel integration
Dimensions are 181 mm high, 105 mm wide, and 86 mm deep — a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint that mounts on a DIN rail or directly to a backplate in a distribution board. The 86 mm depth is shallow enough for most 200 mm deep enclosures, leaving wiring space in front.