What this MCCB is and what it does
The Siemens 3VA2163-7MN36-0KA0 is a SENTRON 3VA2 molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed for motor protection, carrying a full-load rating of 63 A across the entire ambient temperature range from 40 °C through 70 °C without derating. That flat thermal curve means the breaker holds its 63 A trip threshold even inside a hot panel near a motor starter — no need to oversize for a 50 °C or 60 °C cabinet. Three poles, shunt trip release fitted, phase failure detection built in. The 3-pole construction matches standard three-phase motor feeds; the shunt trip (STL) allows remote emergency-off or undervoltage tripping from a PLC or E-stop circuit.
Breaking capacity — what the numbers mean for panel coordination
Rated breaking capacity of 330 kA at 240 V AC, 242 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 187 kA at 500 V, and 3.7 kA at 690 V. The 330 kA at 240 V is typical for high-fault industrial distribution panels where the transformer secondary can deliver massive short-circuit current; the 242 kA at 415 V covers most European 400 V three-phase systems. The steep drop to 3.7 kA at 690 V means this breaker is not intended for 690 V motor circuits — that figure is essentially a residual capability for control-power faults, not a working rating. For a 400 V line-up, the 242 kA SCCR gives generous headroom for selective coordination with downstream feeders.
Trip delay settings and motor protection logic
Adjustable short-time delay from 4 s minimum to 17 s maximum, allowing coordination with downstream branch breakers or motor starters during inrush. The motor protection design includes phase failure detection, which trips on loss of one phase — critical for preventing single-phasing damage on a three-phase motor. No ground-fault monitoring version fitted on this variant; if ground-fault protection is needed, the basic switch order code 3VA2163-7MN36-0AA0 is the base platform this breaker builds on.
Physical fit and panel integration
Dimensions: 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, 86 mm deep. The 105 mm width is a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint for this current class — fits the same panel cut-out and bus-bar spacing as other 3VA2 3-pole frames. Depth of 86 mm means it clears most 200 mm deep enclosures with room for rear bus connections. No auxiliary switch fitted on this order code; the shunt trip release is the only internal accessory. If you need an auxiliary contact for status feedback, that would be a separate add-on module.