What this MCCB is and what the ratings mean for fit
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1096-4ED32-0KA0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for line protection at 16 A continuous current, with a TM210 thermal-magnetic release that handles both overload and short-circuit fault clearing in one unit. The 121 kA breaking capacity at 240 V means this breaker can safely interrupt faults up to that level without upstream devices needing to clear first — critical for high-fault-current panels near large transformers or utility feeds. At 415 V the interrupting rating is 75.6 kA, at 440 V it is 52.5 kA, and at 690 V it drops to 11.9 kA — the voltage-dependent curve is typical for MCCBs; the 690 V figure still covers most industrial motor branch circuits. The rated insulation voltage Ui of 800 V provides headroom for 690 V systems, and the IP40 front protection means it is suited for panel-mount installations where the enclosure provides the overall IP rating.
Thermal derating and operating range
This MCCB carries its full 16 A rating from 40 °C up through 50 °C ambient. At 55 °C it derates to 15.36 A, at 60 °C to 15.04 A, and at 70 °C to 14.4 A. For a panel running hot near the top of a crowded enclosure, that derating curve is what determines whether the breaker holds a 16 A load without nuisance tripping. Operating ambient range is -25 °C to 70 °C, storage range -40 °C to 80 °C — the storage limit governs handling during transport in cold climates.
Dimensions and panel fit
Width is 76.2 mm, depth 70 mm, height 130 mm. That 76.2 mm width is three standard pole pitches — it occupies the same footprint as other 3-pole SENTRON 3VA frames.