The Siemens SENTRON 3VA2216-7JQ42-0AA0 is a 4-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 160 A continuous current, designed for line protection in distribution panels. It carries a maximum interrupting capacity of 330 kA at 240 V, stepping down to 242 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 187 kA at 500 V, and 4.5 kA at 690 V — so at 400 V class you've got serious fault-clearing headroom for high-available-fault-current service entrances or industrial switchboards.
Ratings and what they mean for fit
The continuous current rating holds flat at 160 A across the full ambient range from 40 °C to 70 °C — no derating needed as the panel warms up, which simplifies coordination studies. The adjustable thermal-magnetic trip (32 A minimum setting) lets you dial the protection to match downstream cable or load without swapping the breaker frame. Insulation voltage is rated 800 V, so the breaker is suitable for 690 V systems where phase-to-phase clearance matters. Ground-fault monitoring uses summation current formation on L+N, which catches leakage without a separate GFCI module — useful on IT or TN-S systems where you want early warning before a bolted fault. The communication function (Ethernet or fieldbus via optional module) means this breaker can report status, trip cause, and load current to a BMS or PLC — not just a dumb overcurrent device. If you're building a digital switchboard, that saves a separate metering CT and I/O point per feeder.
Mounting and integration
Dimensions are 181 mm high, 140 mm wide, 86 mm deep — fits standard MCCB panel cutouts in the 160 A frame class. Four poles means it occupies the width of a 4-pole breaker; verify busbar spacing and phase barriers in the existing switchboard before ordering. No undervoltage release or shunt trip is fitted from the factory (no voltage trigger, no undervoltage release), so if you need remote trip, add the accessory separately.