Part identity and key ratings
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. The ETU860M release supports communication and ground-fault monitoring via summation current formation on the L-conductor, and includes phase failure detection.
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
Rated insulation voltage Ui is 800 V, and maximum power loss is 10 W. 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.