What this MCCB is and what it carries
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1196-3GE42-0AA0 is a 4-pole molded case circuit breaker rated 16 A continuous, using a TM220 thermal-magnetic release for line protection. It breaks 75.6 kA at 240 V, 52.5 kA at 415 V, and 32 kA at 440 V — numbers that tell you it handles high-fault utility feeds, not just branch circuits.
Breaking capacity and what it means for panel coordination
At 240 V the 75.6 kA interrupting rating is high enough for most service-entrance and main-switchboard positions. The 52.5 kA at 415 V and 11.9 kA at 690 V let you coordinate downstream in a 400 V distribution panel without cascading a fault through upstream gear. The 800 V rated insulation voltage confirms the internal clearance is sized for 690 V line-to-line systems.
Thermal derating and panel ambient
Full 16 A rating holds up to 55 °C ambient; at 60 °C it derates to 15 A and holds there through 70 °C. If the panel runs hot — say next to a drive cabinet or a transformer — you keep 15 A continuous without nuisance tripping. The 10.6 W maximum power loss at rated load is modest; a standard DIN-rail enclosure with natural convection handles it.
Physical fit and mounting
Mounts on DIN rail. The 70 mm depth by 101.6 mm width by 130 mm height footprint is the standard 4-pole MCCB form factor for this class — it drops into a SENTRON panelboard or a standalone enclosure without re-drilling. IP40 on the front face keeps dust out of the mechanism; the busbar connections are behind the cover.