What this MCCB is and what it does
The Siemens 3VA2216-5JQ42-0AA0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed for line protection in distribution panels. It carries a continuous current rating of 160 A across the full ambient temperature range from 40 °C to 70 °C — no derating needed up to that ceiling, which simplifies panel sizing in warm enclosures. Four poles handle three-phase plus neutral switching. The interrupting ratings climb to 187 kA at 240 V and hold at 121 kA through 440 V, then step down to 75.6 kA at 500 V and 4.5 kA at 690 V — so the available fault current at the panelboard determines which voltage column governs selection. A communication function is built in, and the unit includes summation-current ground-fault monitoring on L+N conductors. Maximum power loss is 19.7 W, worth factoring into enclosure thermal calculations if the panel is densely populated.
Physical fit and environment
Dimensions are 181 mm high, 140 mm wide, 86 mm deep — a standard MCCB footprint for this current class. Verify the mounting base and bus-bar spacing against the existing panel cutout before ordering; the 140 mm width is the key dimension for multi-pole grouping in a distribution board. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range extends from -40 °C to 80 °C. The rated insulation voltage is 800 V, so the breaker is suitable for 690 V systems with margin.