The Siemens 3VA2163-7MQ36-0AA0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) in the 3VA2 series, configured as a 3-pole motor protection device with an ETU860M electronic overcurrent release. It carries a rated continuous current Iu of 63 A across the full ambient temperature range from 40 °C to 70 °C, meaning no derating is required for panel temperatures up to that ceiling — a practical advantage for tightly packed enclosures or high-ambient marine machinery rooms. Breaking capacity is specified per voltage: 330 kA at 240 V, 242 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 187 kA at 500 V, and 3.8 kA at 690 V. The steep drop at 690 V reflects the limits of the arc chamber design — this breaker is sized for 400–500 V distribution, not 690 V motor feeders.
Integration dimensions and enclosure fit
Panel cutout and enclosure planning: the breaker measures 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, and 86 mm deep. The 105 mm width is standard for a 3-pole MCCB in this frame size — fits existing 3VA2 switchboard mounting plates and busbar risers without adapter brackets. Front protection is IP40, adequate for a clean indoor switchgear lineup but not for washdown environments.
Electrical and environmental limits
Operating temperature range is -40 °C to 70 °C; storage range extends to 80 °C maximum and -40 °C minimum. The ETU860M release draws its power from the line-side current transformers — no auxiliary supply needed for the basic protection functions, though the communication function requires a separate 24 V DC bus for the optional modules.