What this MCCB is and what it does
The Siemens 3VA1096-3ED32-0CH0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed for line protection in distribution panels. It is a 3-pole unit rated 16 A at 40 °C, with a breaking capacity of 75.6 kA at 240 V AC — that rating drops to 52.5 kA at 415 V, 32 kA at 440 V, and 7.5 kA at both 500 V and 690 V. The insulation voltage is rated 800 V. The breaker includes an undervoltage release (UVR) and comes factory-fitted with two auxiliary switches plus one trip alarm switch (HQ configuration). It is a line-protection design — not a motor-protection or ground-fault version — so it is suited for feeder and subfeeder circuits where overcurrent and short-circuit protection is needed.
Thermal performance and derating
The breaker holds its full 16 A rating from 40 °C up to 55 °C. At 60 °C it derates to 15 A, and holds that figure through 70 °C. The operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C. Maximum power loss is 13.1 W.
Panel fit and dimensions
The breaker measures 130 mm high, 76.2 mm wide, and 70 mm deep. It mounts on a DIN rail or directly to a panel backplate. The 3-pole footprint is standard for SENTRON 3VA frame sizes in this current class.