What this MCCB carries — and where it fits
The Siemens SENTRON 3VM1116-4GE42-0AA0 is a 4-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 160 A continuous at 40 °C, with a TM220 thermal-magnetic release. The interrupting capacity is 121 kA at 240 V and 76 kA at 415 V — numbers that govern selectivity and SCCR headroom in a distribution panel. The fixed short-circuit release (li) trips at 1600 A, so it coordinates downstream with standard branch-circuit protection. Front IP40 keeps dust out of the enclosure face; the 70 mm depth and 101.6 mm width fit a standard MCCB footprint on a DIN rail or mounting plate.
Thermal derating and power loss — panel planning numbers
The 160 A rating holds flat up to 50 °C, then derates to 158 A at 55 °C, 155 A at 60 °C, 153 A at 65 °C, and 150 A at 70 °C. Maximum power loss is 38 W — a number to factor into enclosure heat rise if the panel is tightly packed. Storage range is -40 to 80 °C, operating range -25 to 70 °C, so it survives a cold mill startup or a hot summer afternoon in an unventilated cabinet.
How the 3VM1116-4GE42-0AA0 compares to the 3VA1112-5EE32-0AA0
The 3VA1112-5EE32-0AA0 is a lower-current sibling in the same SENTRON family — typically 100 A class, with a different release curve. The 3VM1116-4GE42-0AA0 carries 160 A and the higher interrupting capacities (121 kA at 240 V vs the 3VA's lower ratings). Panel cutout dimensions are similar, but the 3VM's 70 mm depth and 101.6 mm width should be verified against the existing 3VA footprint before a drop-in swap — the mounting pattern is the same family, but always check gland-plate clearance.