Siemens SENTRON 3VA1196-4EF32-0BC0 — 16 A MCCB with 121 kA Interrupting Capacity
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1196-4EF32-0BC0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for line protection, carrying 16 A continuously at 40 °C ambient and delivering a 121 kA breaking capacity at 240 VAC — enough to handle high-fault utility feeds or transformer secondaries without cascading upstream. The 800 V rated insulation voltage gives headroom for 480 V and 600 V class systems. An integrated undervoltage release lets you trip the breaker on loss of control power, common in emergency-stop or safety circuits.
Breaking Capacity — What the Ratings Mean for Your Panel
This MCCB's interrupting rating drops from 121 kA at 240 V to 75.6 kA at 415 V, then 52.5 kA at 440 V, and 11.9 kA at both 500 V and 690 V (–). That steep derating above 480 V means the part is best matched to 240 V or 400 V distribution where fault currents are high. At 690 V the 11.9 kA figure still covers most motor branch circuits, but you'd size upstream fuses or a current-limiting breaker if the available fault exceeds that. The 16 A rating holds flat from 40 °C through 55 °C (–), then derates to 15 A at 60 °C and above (–) — no surprise for a 3VA frame, but worth noting if the breaker sits near heat sources in a crowded panel.
Panel Fit — Dimensions and Mounting
The 3VA1196-4EF32-0BC0 measures 130 mm high, 76.2 mm wide, and 70 mm deep (–). That 70 mm depth is the key dimension for enclosure depth clearance — shallower than many older MCCB frames, so it retrofits into most 200 mm deep panels without a gland-plate conflict. Three-pole construction with no communication module keeps the width tight for multi-breaker rows. Operating range spans -25 °C to 70 °C (–); storage from -40 °C to 80 °C (–).