The Siemens 3VA1196-3EF36-0AA0 is a SENTRON 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated 16 A at 40 °C with a TM240 thermal-magnetic release, designed for line protection in distribution panels. Its 75.6 kA interrupting capacity at 240 V gives headroom for high-fault service entrance or feeder applications where upstream coordination demands a robust short-circuit rating.
Key ratings and what they mean for fit
The 75.6 kA breaking capacity at 240 V is the headline number — it tells you this MCCB can safely clear a fault up to that current without welding contacts or rupturing the case. That puts it in the high-interrupting class, suitable for main breakers in large commercial or industrial panels where available fault current is high. At 415 V the rating drops to 52.5 kA, and at 690 V to 11.9 kA, so verify the line-to-line voltage at the point of installation. Rated current holds at 16 A from 40 °C through 55 °C, then derates to 15 A at 60–70 °C. That means in a warm enclosure — say a non-ventilated panel near a furnace line — you still get full ampacity up to 55 °C ambient. Above that, plan for the 1 A derating. The TM240 overcurrent release combines a thermal element for overload protection and a magnetic element for short-circuit response. The '240' designates the frame size and trip curve family; it's a fixed thermal-magnetic unit, not electronic, so no adjustment or communication — set it and forget it for straightforward line protection.
Mounting and integration
Dimensions are 76.2 mm wide, 130 mm tall, 70 mm deep — a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint that fits most Siemens SENTRON panelboards and distribution blocks. The IP40 rating on the front means it's protected against tools and wires larger than 1 mm, but not against water ingress; install in a dry indoor enclosure or a weatherproof cabinet.