What it is and what it does
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2216-5HN32-0AA0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 160 A continuous current, designed for line protection in distribution panels and industrial switchgear. It uses an ETU350 electronic trip unit, which gives you adjustable overload and short-circuit protection curves — not a fixed thermal-magnetic, so you can dial in coordination with downstream breakers. Breaking capacity is 187 kA at 240 V AC, 121 kA at 415/440 V, 75.6 kA at 500 V, and 4.5 kA at 690 V — that covers most industrial service entrances and feeder applications without needing a current-limiting fuse upstream.
What the ratings mean for fit
The 160 A rating holds across the full ambient range from 40 °C to 70 °C — no derating needed in a warm enclosure, which is common for tightly packed panels. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V. IP40 front protection suits indoor panel mounting. Power loss is 19.7 W maximum — that is moderate for a 160 A frame; factor it into your enclosure thermal budget if you are packing multiple breakers in a row.
Panel integration notes
Dimensions are 181 mm high, 105 mm wide, 86 mm deep — a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint for the SENTRON 3VA platform. Mounts on a DIN rail or direct panel via screw terminals. No undervoltage release, no shunt trip, no communication module — this is a plain line-protection breaker. If you need remote trip or status feedback, look at the 3VA2 variants with the communication option.