What it is and what it does
The Siemens 3VA1096-3ED32-0JA0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) with a TM210 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release, sized for line protection in distribution panels. It carries a 16 A rating at 40 °C ambient and a 75.6 kA interrupting capacity at 240 V AC — enough to handle high-fault utility feeds or transformer secondaries without cascading upstream. The shunt trip (STL) auxiliary release lets a remote signal (emergency stop, fire alarm, undervoltage relay) open the breaker independently of the overcurrent mechanism. Insulation voltage is rated 800 V, so it's comfortable in 480/277 V or 600 V panels.
Ratings and what they mean for fit
The 16 A continuous rating holds across 40 °C to 55 °C without derating; at 60 °C it drops to 15 A, and at 70 °C it's still 15 A. That's a tight thermal curve — useful in a warm enclosure where a standard 16 A breaker would start nuisance-tripping. The interrupting ratings step down with voltage: 75.6 kA at 240 V, 52.5 kA at 415 V, 32 kA at 440 V, and 7.5 kA at 500 V and 690 V. At 480 V three-phase the available fault current is often under 32 kA, so this breaker covers most commercial and light industrial panels. The TM210 release is a fixed thermal/fixed magnetic design — no adjustable trip, which simplifies spec but means you pick the exact frame for the load.
Panel integration and physical fit
Dimensions are 130 mm high, 76.2 mm wide, 70 mm deep — standard 3-pole MCCB footprint for a 16 A frame. Mounts on DIN rail or direct panel via the base. The 70 mm depth means it clears most shallow enclosures; check gland plate clearance if the panel is less than 80 mm deep. The shunt trip adds a pair of control terminals; verify coil voltage matches your control circuit (the order code doesn't specify voltage, but the STL release is typically 110–240 V AC/DC — confirm on the nameplate).