What this MCCB carries — and where it stops
The Siemens 3VM1116-3EE36-0AA2 is a 3-pole SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for continuous 160 A at up to 40 °C ambient, with a TM220 thermal-magnetic trip unit — fixed thermal (160 A) and adjustable magnetic (160–1600 A). Its breaking capacity drops from 76 kA at 240 V to 53 kA at 415 V, 32 kA at 440 V, and 11.9 kA at 500 V, so the voltage at the fault point determines whether this breaker clears a high-fault event without upstream coordination. At 690 V insulation rating (Ui), it handles 500 V DC max as well. The front face carries IP40 protection — fine for a dry panel, not for washdown areas.
Thermal derating — the real current limit
Rated 160 A up to 50 °C, then it tapers: 158 A at 55 °C, 155 A at 60 °C, 153 A at 65 °C, and 150 A at 70 °C. If your panel ambient runs above 50 °C, size the load side for the derated value — the breaker won't nuisance-trip, but it won't carry the full 160 A either. Maximum power loss is 38 W, which matters for heat buildup in a compact enclosure.
Footprint and panel fit
Dimensions are 130 mm high, 76.2 mm wide, 70 mm deep — a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint that fits most DIN-rail or screw-mounted panel layouts. The IP40 front means it's intended for enclosure mounting, not exposed installation. No communication module or motor drive option on this variant; it's a straight line-protection breaker.