What it is and what it does
The Siemens 3VA1196-3EF32-0HC0 is a 3-pole IEC frame 160 molded-case circuit breaker with a 25 kA breaking capacity at 415 V (class N). It's rated for line protection with a TM240 thermal-magnetic trip unit set at 16 A, overload protection adjustable from 11 to 16 A, and short-circuit protection set at 10 to 20 times In. The unit includes a shunt trip (STL) rated for 12–30 V DC or 24 V AC at 50/60 Hz, plus two auxiliary switches (HQ). A nut keeper kit is also part of the assembly.
What the ratings mean for fit
The 25 kA breaking capacity at 415 V (class N) means the breaker safely interrupts fault currents up to that level without upstream cascading — important for panel selectivity studies. The 16 A frame with adjustable overload (Ir = 11–16 A) and short-circuit pickup (Ii = 10–20 × In) gives flexibility to match motor or feeder protection curves without swapping the breaker. The shunt trip allows remote tripping from a PLC safety output or emergency stop circuit.