Siemens 3VA1096-3ED32-0DC0 — SENTRON MCCB, 16 A, 75.6 kA IC
The Siemens 3VA1096-3ED32-0DC0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker from the SENTRON series, designed for line protection in distribution panels. It carries a continuous current rating of 16 A at 40 °C, derating to 15 A at 60 °C and above — per the datasheet, the thermal curve holds flat to 55 °C, then drops by 1 A per 5 °C step. The interrupting capacity is 75.6 kA at 240 V, 52.5 kA at 415 V, and 32 kA at 440 V, with a floor of 7.5 kA at 500 V and 690 V. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V, and maximum power loss is 13.1 W.
What the interrupting ratings mean for panel coordination
The 75.6 kA at 240 V is the maximum fault current this MCCB can safely interrupt at that voltage — critical for service-entrance or main-breaker positions where available fault current is high. At 415 V (common in industrial 400 VAC systems), the 52.5 kA rating still provides substantial headroom for most distribution panels. The drop to 7.5 kA at 500 V and 690 V means this breaker is not intended for 690 V main feeds unless the prospective short-circuit current is verified below that threshold. The 800 V rated insulation voltage confirms the internal clearance and creepage are adequate for 690 V systems, but the interrupting rating governs the application.
Built-in undervoltage release — what it controls
This variant ships with an undervoltage release (UVR) as the auxiliary release, per the design designation. The UVR trips the breaker when supply voltage drops below a set threshold — standard practice for motor feeder circuits where a restart after a brownout could cause mechanical damage, or for emergency-off chains that need a voltage-monitored drop-out. The auxiliary switch complement is two HQ auxiliary switches, providing status feedback for the breaker position (open/closed/tripped) to a PLC or indication lamp. There is no communication function or ground-fault monitoring on this unit.
Panel integration — dimensions and mounting
The MCCB measures 130 mm height, 76.2 mm width, and 70 mm depth — a standard 3-pole SENTRON 3VA footprint that fits Siemens panelboards and distribution blocks. The 70 mm depth is the dimension from the mounting surface to the front of the breaker; verify clearance for the undervoltage release module and auxiliary switch wiring, which add no extra depth but require finger space for termination. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C.