What the ratings mean for fit
The 3VM1140-5EE36-0AA2 is a 3-pole IEC frame 160 molded case circuit breaker from the Siemens 3VM1 series, built for line protection with a thermal-magnetic trip unit (TM220, ATFM). Its headline rating is the 55 kA breaking capacity at 415 V — that is the Icu (ultimate short-circuit breaking capacity) under IEC 60947-2, meaning it can safely interrupt a fault current up to 55,000 A without failing. For a 160 A frame, this class M rating puts it squarely in the industrial distribution tier: it handles the high prospective fault currents you see on transformer secondaries and heavy motor branch circuits. The adjustable overload protection (Ir) spans 28 A to 40 A, set via the dial on the front. That range lets you match the breaker to the actual continuous load — a 30 A motor feeder, a 35 A resistive bank, or a 40 A bus tap — without swapping the trip unit. The short-circuit pickup (Ii) is fixed at 10 x In (400 A for the 40 A rating), which is a typical thermal-magnetic instantaneous setting for motor-starting inrush immunity.
Sourcing and lifecycle reality
No official successor or cross-reference is recorded for this order code. If you are qualifying a second source or evaluating a substitute, the deciding factors will be the frame size (160 A), the 55 kA @ 415 V breaking capacity, the adjustable Ir range, and the terminal connection type — any alternative must match these to be a drop-in fit.
Deployment context
This breaker mounts in a standard distribution panel or motor control center on a DIN rail or panel-mount base (the 3VM1 frame uses a snap-on or screw-fixed adapter). The terminal connection type suits panel wiring with lugs or busbar stabs. For a 160 A frame at 55 kA SCCR, the enclosure must be rated for the let-through energy — typically a metalclad switchboard or a dedicated MCC bucket.