SENTRON 3VA1 MCCB with undervoltage release
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1196-4EF36-0CA0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated 16 A at 40 °C, designed for line protection in distribution panels. Its 121 kA breaking capacity at 240 V AC and 75.6 kA at 415 V AC give it the interrupting capability for high-fault service-entrance or sub-distribution applications where fault currents are substantial. The built-in undervoltage release (UVR) trips the breaker when supply voltage drops below a set threshold, which is typical for safety circuits that must disconnect loads on loss of control power.
Breaking capacity and thermal rating
Rated uninterrupted current holds at 16 A from 40 °C up to 55 °C, then derates to 15 A at 60 °C through 70 °C — so in a warm enclosure near the top of the ambient range, plan for the 15 A limit. The 121 kA at 240 V AC is the highest short-circuit rating on this frame; at 415 V AC it still delivers 75.6 kA, and at 690 V AC it holds 11.9 kA. That spread covers most industrial supply voltages without needing a larger frame just for interrupting capacity.
Panel fit and mounting
The 3VA1196-4EF36-0CA0 measures 130 mm high, 76.2 mm wide, and 70 mm deep — a compact 3-pole footprint that fits standard DIN-rail or screw-mounted panel layouts common in Siemens SENTRON distribution boards. The 70 mm depth leaves clearance behind the gland plate for wiring and the UVR coil connections. Maximum power loss is 13.1 W, so factor that into enclosure thermal calculations if the panel is densely populated.