MCCB for line protection — 16 A, 4-pole, high interrupting capacity
The Siemens 3VA1196-3GE46-0AA0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for line protection duty, carrying a continuous current Iu of 16 A across its four poles. Its interrupting capacity reaches 76 kA at 240 V AC and 53 kA at 415 V AC — figures that govern its ability to clear a fault without upstream coordination loss. The TM220 thermal-magnetic release provides overload and short-circuit protection; the thermal element holds 16 A steady from 40 °C through 55 °C, then derates to 15 A at 60 °C and above. That flat thermal curve means the breaker does not force a de-rate in a warm panel until the ambient exceeds 55 °C, which simplifies sizing in a crowded enclosure. Rated insulation voltage Ui is 800 V, and the maximum operational voltage on DC circuits is 600 V — relevant if the breaker lands in a DC bus or battery-string application. The front face carries IP40 protection, so it is suited for dry indoor panel environments where tools or fingers are the main intrusion risk. No communication module is fitted; this is a straight electromechanical MCCB with no integrated metering or fieldbus interface.
Dimensions and panel fit
The breaker measures 130 mm high, 101.6 mm wide, and 70 mm deep. The 101.6 mm width (4 inches) is the standard 4-pole MCCB footprint for this SENTRON frame size — it occupies four 25.4 mm module positions on a DIN rail or mounting plate. Depth of 70 mm (2.8 inches) leaves clearance for rear-mounted busbars or wiring ducts in a typical 200 mm deep enclosure.
Environmental and storage limits
Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range extends from -40 °C to 80 °C. Maximum power loss at rated current is 10.6 W — a figure to include in the enclosure thermal budget if multiple breakers are ganged in a sealed cabinet. The N-conductor protection is rated at 100 %, meaning the neutral pole is fully rated and does not require de-rating in 4-pole configurations.