What this 3VA2 is and what it carries
The Siemens 3VA2216-7MN32-0HL0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) in the motor protection version, rated for a continuous current Iu of 160 A across the full 40–50 °C ambient range before it starts to derate. Breaking capacity sits at 330 kA at 240 V, 242 kA at 415/440 V, 187 kA at 500 V, and 52.5 kA at 690 V — numbers that tell you this is a high-interrupting frame meant for fault levels near the transformer secondary, not a branch feeder. Three poles, electronic trip unit ETU350M on board, phase failure detection included, and a shunt trip (STL) for remote opening.
What the ratings mean for the panel
At 160 A continuous, this MCCB handles motor loads up to roughly 90 kW at 400 V three-phase (assuming a 0.85 PF and 0.95 efficiency) — a common size for a medium pump, compressor, or conveyor drive. The thermal derating curve starts at 55 °C: 153.6 A at 55 °C, 150.4 A at 60 °C, 147.2 A at 65 °C, and 144 A at 70 °C. If the panel ambient runs hot, size the breaker for the derated number, not the nameplate 160 A. Dimensions are 86 mm deep, 105 mm wide, 181 mm tall — a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint that fits a SENTRON panelboard or a separate enclosure with DIN-rail adapter. Auxiliary contact configuration is 2 auxiliary switches + 1 trip alarm switch + 1 electrical alarm switch HQ — enough for remote status and alarm feedback without an add-on module.
What the ETU350M trip unit does
The ETU350M is an electronic overcurrent release designed for motor protection — it provides adjustable overload protection (thermal memory), short-circuit protection, and ground-fault alarm (not trip, since this variant ships without ground-fault monitoring). Maximum power loss is 75 W — plan ventilation if the breaker is enclosed with other heat sources.