What this MCCB is and what it protects
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2163-7MN36-0AJ0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed specifically for motor protection, with phase failure detection built in — so it catches a lost phase before the motor overheats. Rated 63 A continuously across the full ambient range from 40 °C to 70 °C — no derating curve to chase up to that ceiling. Breaking capacity hits 330 kA at 240 V, 242 kA at 415/440 V, 187 kA at 500 V, and 3.7 kA at 690 V — that 330 kA figure at 240 V covers high-fault utility feeds and transformer secondaries.
Trip curve and internal accessories
Adjustable short-time delay from 4 s to 17 s, letting you coordinate downstream with feeders or upstream with a main breaker without nuisance tripping on motor inrush. Ships with 2 auxiliary switches plus 1 trip alarm switch (HP type) — enough for remote status and fault annunciation without adding a separate accessory block. Trip indicator on the front face gives a local visual flag when the breaker has opened on a fault, which speeds troubleshooting on a multi-breaker panel.
Physical fit and panel integration
Dimensions: 105 mm wide, 181 mm tall, 86 mm deep — a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint that fits SENTRON distribution panels and most DIN-rail or mounting-plate layouts. Maximum power loss of 4 W at rated load keeps heat rise manageable inside a sealed enclosure; no forced ventilation required for a single unit. Operating temperature range -25 °C to 70 °C, storage from -40 °C to 80 °C — suitable for unheated electrical rooms or outdoor-rated cabinets within those limits.
Lifecycle and sourcing posture
The basic switch assembly carries its own order code 3VA2163-7MN36-0AA0, which is the internal switching mechanism; the -0AJ0 suffix denotes the complete breaker with the auxiliary switch and trip alarm pre-installed.