What this 4-pole MCCB delivers for the panel
The Siemens 3VA1096-4ED46-0AA0 is a 4-pole SENTRON molded case circuit breaker rated for 16 A continuous at 40 °C, with a TM210 thermal-magnetic release. That 16 A holds flat through 55 °C — only a 1 A derate kicks in at 60 °C — so it handles warm enclosures without upsizing. The interrupting ratings climb to 121 kA at 240 V and 75.6 kA at 415 V, which puts it well above typical 25 kA or 36 kA panelboard SCCR requirements; you get headroom for high-fault utility feeds or transformer secondaries. The TM210 release means the thermal element is fixed at 10× Iu (160 A magnetic pickup), so it coordinates cleanly downstream of a larger SENTRON or upstream of a 3VA1 feeder. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V, and the front face carries IP40 — fine for a closed panel, but keep it behind a gland plate if washdown mist is in the bay.
Sourcing and lifecycle — current production, no LTB clock
This MPN is listed in current lifecycle status, meaning Siemens has no published end-of-life or last-time-buy notice. For a BOM freeze or a line-down spare, that removes the urgency of a phase-out watch. The part is sourced to order against an RFQ through independent distribution; availability and current pricing are confirmed at quote time.
Dimensions and panel fit
The 3VA1096-4ED46-0AA0 measures 130 mm tall, 101.6 mm wide, and 70 mm deep. That 70 mm depth is shallow enough for a 200 mm deep enclosure with room for rear wiring gutters. The 101.6 mm width (4 inches) is standard for a 4-pole SENTRON frame; it occupies one 4-inch mounting slot on the DIN-rail adapter or the panel-mounting plate.
Power loss and thermal budget
Maximum power loss is 10.6 W at rated current. In a sealed panel with multiple breakers, that loss adds to the internal heat rise; plan your thermal derating per the 60 °C curve if the ambient inside the enclosure exceeds 55 °C.