What this 160 A MCCB is and what it does
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2216-5MN32-0DH0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for a continuous current of 160 A across the full ambient temperature range from 40 °C through 70 °C — no derating needed up to that ceiling. It is designed specifically for motor protection, with built-in phase failure detection and an undervoltage release (UVR) that drops the breaker if control voltage is lost. The interrupting capacity hits 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V and 440 V, and still delivers 75.6 kA at 500 V, so it handles high-fault utility feeds and large motor branch circuits. The auxiliary switch configuration includes two auxiliary switches plus one trip alarm switch (HQ type), giving the PLC or safety relay a clean status signal.
Mounting and integration
The 3VA2216-5MN32-0DH0 measures 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, and 86 mm deep — a standard SENTRON 3VA frame size that fits the typical DIN-rail or backplate layout in a motor control center. The 3-pole footprint matches the same cutout as other 160 A SENTRON breakers, so swapping a different 3VA unit into an existing panel is straightforward. The undervoltage release (UVR) is factory-fitted; verify control voltage matches the coil rating before energizing.
What the ratings mean for your panel
The 160 A continuous rating at 70 °C is unusual — most MCCBs derate above 40 °C, but this one holds full current all the way up. That matters when the breaker is in a warm enclosure or near other heat sources. The 187 kA interrupting capacity at 240 V is well above typical service-entrance fault levels, so it can be used as a main breaker in a high-capacity distribution panel. At 690 V the interrupting capacity drops to 4.5 kA, which still covers most motor-starting faults but not high-fault industrial 690 V grids — check the available fault current at that voltage level. The undervoltage release (UVR) means the breaker opens automatically when control power drops below the dropout threshold, a common requirement for safety circuits and emergency-stop chains. The auxiliary switches (2 form-C + 1 trip alarm) feed status back to the controller without needing a separate contactor block.