What this MCCB delivers
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1096-3ED32-0JC0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker rated for 16 A continuous current at 40 °C, with a TM210 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release. It is designed for line protection in distribution panels, with a rated insulation voltage of 800 V and a breaking capacity of 75.6 kA at 240 V — enough to clear high-fault currents in industrial mains without cascading upstream. The 16 A rating holds steady through 50 °C and only begins to derate above 55 °C, down to 14.4 A at 70 °C. That means in a warm panel — say 55 °C ambient — you still get 15.36 A of continuous rating, so the breaker doesn't nuisance-trip on a lightly loaded feeder. Breaking capacity drops with voltage: 52.5 kA at 415 V, 32 kA at 440 V, and 7.5 kA at 690 V. For a 400 V system, the 52.5 kA figure is what matters — it covers most industrial service-entrance and sub-feed applications.
Panel fit and integration
Dimensions are 130 mm high, 76.2 mm wide, 70 mm deep. The 70 mm depth is shallow enough for a 200 mm deep enclosure with room for wiring gutters. Width at 76.2 mm is a standard 3-module footprint on DIN rail, so it swaps into existing SENTRON or 3VA cutouts without panel modification. Front protection is IP40 — suitable for dry indoor panels. The breaker ships with 2 auxiliary switches (HQ type) and a shunt trip release (STL) integrated; the auxiliary trip order code is 3VA9688-0BL32. No undervoltage release, no communication module, no phase-failure detection — this is a basic line-protection MCCB, not a smart breaker. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C. The 15 000-cycle latching endurance is typical for a 16 A MCCB on resistive or light motor loads.