Line protection MCCB for panel builders
The Siemens 3VA1096-3ED36-0AA0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated 16 A continuous (Iu) with a TM210 thermal-magnetic release — fixed at 16 A through 55 °C, derating to 15 A at 60–70 °C. Its interrupting capacity hits 75.6 kA at 240 V and 52.5 kA at 415 V, which covers most industrial service-entrance and feeder applications where high fault current is expected.
Selectivity and coordination headroom
The short-circuit release (li) is fixed at 320 A — no adjustment range. That means the magnetic trip is set for a fixed multiple of 20× In, giving a predictable let-through for selectivity studies. For a panel already coordinated around a 3VA1020-3ED36-0AA0 (which carries a different current rating), the 3VA1096-3ED36-0AA0 will not drop in without re-checking the trip curve and cable sizing. The footprint is the same 3-pole SENTRON 3VA frame, so mechanical fit is identical — the difference is purely electrical.
Panel integration dimensions
That 76.2 mm width (3 inches) is the standard SENTRON 3VA frame width for 3-pole units — it fits the same DIN-rail or mounting-plate cutout as other 3VA 3-pole breakers. Depth of 70 mm leaves room for rear busbar connections in a typical 200 mm deep enclosure. Power loss is 10.6 W maximum, which should be factored into the panel thermal budget if multiple breakers are ganged.