MCCB for feeder and branch protection — 16 A, 3-pole, high interrupting capacity
The Siemens 3VA1196-3EF32-0JA0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for line protection in distribution panels. It carries a continuous current Iu of 16 A across 3 poles, with a TM240 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release — the fixed thermal element handles overloads, while the magnetic trip responds to short-circuit events. Breaking capacity is rated at 75.6 kA at 240 V AC, 52.5 kA at 415 V, 32 kA at 440 V, and 10.5 kA at 690 V — figures that cover most industrial low-voltage fault levels up to 440 V with comfortable headroom. At 690 V the 10.5 kA rating is still adequate for many motor branch circuits, though coordination study is advised for high-fault installations. The breaker includes a shunt trip release (STL) for remote tripping — a common requirement for emergency-stop circuits or remote load shedding. No undervoltage release, no auxiliary contacts, and no communication module are fitted on this variant.
Temperature derating and panel integration
Rated current holds at 16 A from 40 °C to 50 °C ambient, then derates linearly to 14.4 A at 70 °C. In a sealed enclosure or high-ambient panel, the 55 °C derating to 15.36 A and 60 °C to 15.04 A should be factored into the load schedule. Physical footprint: 130 mm height, 76.2 mm width, 70 mm depth. IP40 on the front face suits general-purpose indoor panels; not rated for washdown or outdoor exposure. No auxiliary contact slot is populated, so any status feedback requires an external monitoring relay or a separate auxiliary contact block (not included).