The Siemens 3VA2163-7MN32-0DA0 is a SENTRON 3VA2 molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed specifically for motor protection. It carries a continuous current rating of 63 A across the full ambient temperature range from 40 °C to 70 °C — no derating needed up to that ceiling, which simplifies panel sizing in warm enclosures. The 3-pole construction with phase failure detection and an integrated undervoltage release makes it a fit for motor branch circuits where loss-of-voltage protection is required by code or machine safety practice.
Interrupting capacity and selectivity
At 240 V this MCCB interrupts 330 kA, dropping to 242 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 187 kA at 500 V, and 3.7 kA at 690 V. The 330 kA figure at 240 V is relevant for large transformer secondary or high-fault industrial services; the steep drop at 690 V reflects the 3VA2 platform's design ceiling. For a motor protection breaker the interrupting rating governs the upstream SCCR — verify the available fault current at the panelboard to confirm coordination.
Motor protection features
The product designation is motor protection, which means the thermal-magnetic trip curve is shaped for motor inrush and overload profiles rather than straight feeder protection. Phase failure detection is built in — on a lost phase the breaker trips before single-phasing damages the winding. The undervoltage release (UVR) drops the breaker when supply voltage falls below a threshold, preventing automatic restart after a dip. There is no ground-fault monitoring and no auxiliary switch, so external monitoring modules are needed if remote status is required.
Physical fit and environment
Dimensions are 181 mm height, 105 mm width, 86 mm depth. The 105 mm width is standard for a 3-pole MCCB in the SENTRON 3VA2 family — it occupies the same panel footprint as other 3VA2 3-pole units. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C. The -25 °C lower operating limit means it can sit in an unheated electrical room in cold climates, though the breaker's internal lubricants and trip mechanism are rated for that floor. Maximum power loss is 6.5 W — negligible for panel thermal budgeting.