What this 3VA1 breaker is and where it fits
The Siemens 3VA1196-3GF42-0AA0-ZD00 is a 4-pole IEC frame 160 molded-case circuit breaker rated for line protection with a TM240 thermal-magnetic trip unit. Its breaking capacity class N delivers an Icu of 25kA at 415V — enough for most secondary distribution panels in industrial and commercial builds. The 16A rated current (In) with overload protection adjustable from 11A to 16A (Ir) and short-circuit protection set at 10 to 20 times In (Ii) gives you selectivity headroom downstream. The N conductor is protected at 100% of the phase rating, and the nut keeper kit is pre-fitted for the DC Power OEM variant destined for China.
What the ratings mean in practice
The 25kA Icu at 415V tells you this breaker can safely interrupt a fault current up to that level without welding its contacts or rupturing the case — critical for ensuring the upstream transformer or feeder breaker doesn't have to clear the fault alone. The adjustable Ir (11-16A) lets you fine-tune overload protection to match the actual load, not just the nameplate. The Ii range of 10-20x In means the magnetic trip can be set to ride through motor inrush or transformer energization without nuisance tripping, while still clearing a hard short fast.
Integration notes
Mounts in a standard panel on a DIN rail or direct-screw baseplate — the 4-pole form factor occupies four module widths. The nut keeper kit simplifies busbar or cable lug termination, saving time during panel build. Wire the line side to the top terminals; load side exits the bottom. Verify the TM240 trip curve matches the downstream cable and load before energizing.