What this 3VA2 carries and where it fits
The Siemens 3VA2216-8HM42-0AA0 is a 4-pole SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 160 A continuous current, flat from 40 °C through 70 °C — no derating needed across the typical panel ambient range. It uses the ETU330 electronic overcurrent release, which gives you adjustable N-conductor protection (OFF, 50%, or 100%) and a trip indicator that signals a fault condition without opening the door. Breaking capacity is 440 kA at 240 V, 330 kA at 415/440 V, 220 kA at 500 V, and 52.5 kA at 690 V — this is a high-interrupting frame suited for main feeders or large sub-distribution where fault currents run high.
Panel fit and integration
Footprint: 140 mm wide, 181 mm tall, 86 mm deep. The 4-pole width is the dimension to check against existing busbar or enclosure clearance — the 3VA2 family shares a common depth and height across frame sizes, so a panel designed for a lower-rated 3VA2 will accept this unit without enclosure modifications. Front IP40 protection class means it is suitable for standard indoor panel mounting; not rated for washdown or outdoor exposure. No undervoltage release, no voltage trigger, no communication function — this is a straight line-protection breaker with the ETU330 handling the protection curve. The reference code per IEC 81346-2 is Q.
What the ratings mean for your BOM line
The 160 A continuous rating at 40 °C to 70 °C (ambient) means you do not have to oversize the frame for a warm panel. The ETU330 release provides electronic adjustability for long-time pickup, short-time, and instantaneous settings — not a fixed thermal-magnetic curve. Maximum power loss is 19.7 W — relevant for thermal calculations inside a sealed enclosure with multiple breakers ganged together. Storage temperature range is -40 °C to 80 °C; operating range is -25 °C to 70 °C. The storage minimum is the handling limit, not a running condition.