160 A MCCB with ETU350M — motor protection focus
The Siemens 3VA2216-7MN32-0KH0 is a 3-pole SENTRON molded case circuit breaker rated for 160 A continuous current (Iu) and carrying a 330 kA breaking capacity at 240 V, stepping down to 242 kA at 415 V and 440 V, 187 kA at 500 V, and 52.5 kA at 690 V. That SCCR headroom means it safely interrupts faults up to those levels without cascading upstream — critical for panel selectivity studies. The motor protection designation means the ETU350M electronic release is configured for motor-starting inrush and overload curves, not just cable protection.
What the ratings mean for fit
Rated continuous current holds at 160 A from 40 °C up to 50 °C ambient; above that it derates to 153.6 A at 55 °C, 150.4 A at 60 °C, 147.2 A at 65 °C, and 144 A at 70 °C. That flat thermal curve up to 50 °C is useful for tightly packed panels where internal cabinet temperature runs warm. The ETU350M release includes phase failure detection — it trips on loss of one phase, protecting motors from single-phasing. A shunt trip (STL) is built in, allowing remote trip via a control signal. Auxiliary contacts come as 2 auxiliary switches plus 1 trip alarm switch HQ, giving status feedback for PLC or SCADA. Maximum power loss is 75 W — factor that into enclosure ventilation if the panel is sealed.
Dimensions and panel integration
The breaker measures 105 mm wide, 181 mm high, and 86 mm deep. That 86 mm depth is the dimension that matters for gland-plate clearance and cover-bump clearance in shallow enclosures. The 105 mm width is standard for 160 A frame MCCBs — fits the same DIN-rail or mounting-plate footprint as other 3VA2 frame units. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C.