What this MCCB is and what it protects
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1196-4EE32-0AA0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed for line protection in distribution panels. It carries a rated continuous current of 16 A at 40 °C, built on a 320 A frame that gives it the physical interrupting capacity for high-fault installations. The interrupting ratings tell the real story: 121 kA at 240 V AC, 75.6 kA at 415 V, 52.5 kA at 440 V, and 11.9 kA at both 500 V and 690 V. That 121 kA figure at 240 V means this breaker can safely clear a bolted fault on a high-capacity transformer secondary without the arc flashing over or the case rupturing — a critical safety margin for industrial service-entrance or sub-distribution boards. The TM220 overcurrent release combines a thermal (bimetal) element for overload protection and a magnetic (short-circuit) element for instantaneous fault clearing. No undervoltage release, no shunt trip, no ground-fault monitoring — this is a straight line-protection breaker for applications where those accessories aren't required.
Panel fit and thermal derating
At 70 mm deep, 76.2 mm wide, and 130 mm tall, this MCCB occupies a standard 3-pole molded-case footprint. The 76.2 mm width (3 inches) matches the typical DIN-rail or panel-mount cutout for 3-pole SENTRON breakers, so it drops into an existing 3VA lineup without re-drilling the gland plate. Maximum power dissipation is 10.6 W. That's low enough that adjacent breakers in a multi-pole group don't need additional ventilation in a standard steel enclosure, but it's worth accounting for in a sealed stainless washdown panel where heat buildup is a concern.
Lifecycle and sourcing posture
The 800 V rated insulation voltage (Ui) means it's suitable for 690 V AC systems common in European industrial networks, and the -25 °C to +70 °C operating range covers most indoor and sheltered outdoor installations. Storage range of -40 °C to +80 °C allows for unheated warehouse staging.