63 A MCCB with 242 kA interrupting capacity — what the ratings mean for your panel
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2163-6HN36-0KC0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 63 A continuous current across the full 40 °C to 70 °C ambient range — no derating needed as the panel warms up. Its interrupting capacity reaches 242 kA at 240 V AC, dropping to 187 kA at 415/440 V, 121 kA at 500 V, and 3.7 kA at 690 V. That 242 kA figure at 240 V means this breaker can safely clear a fault up to that level without upstream devices needing to intervene — critical for high-fault installations like transformer secondaries or large motor control centers where available fault current is substantial. The breaker is designed for line protection (not motor or generator protection), with a built-in shunt trip release for remote emergency-off or undervoltage tripping scenarios. Two auxiliary switches (HQ type) are integrated for status feedback to a PLC or indication panel. The unit ships as a complete assembly including the basic switch 3VA2163-6HN36-0AA0, so no separate ordering of internal accessories is needed for standard line protection duty.
Panel fit and integration
Dimensions are 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, and 86 mm deep — a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint that fits most DIN-rail or panel-mount enclosures without modification. The 86 mm depth accounts for the breaker body plus the shunt trip and auxiliary switch stack; verify clearance behind the panel door for wiring and actuator access. Power loss is rated at 4 W maximum, so thermal rise inside a sealed enclosure is minimal — no forced cooling required for typical panel densities.