Line protection MCCB with TM240 release
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1196-4EF36-0JC0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for line protection — meaning it guards feeders and branch circuits against overload and short-circuit, not motor-starting duty. Its TM240 thermal-magnetic release gives a fixed 16 A continuous rating that holds flat across 40 °C to 50 °C, then derates to 14.4 A at 70 °C; that thermal curve matters when the breaker sits in a warm enclosure alongside other heat sources.
Breaking capacity — what the voltages mean for panel coordination
This MCCB delivers 121 kA at 240 V, 75.6 kA at 415 V, 52.5 kA at 440 V, and 11.9 kA at 690 V. The 415 V figure is the one that governs most European industrial panels — 75.6 kA is high enough to sit upstream of most downstream branch breakers without requiring a current-limiting fuse ahead of it. At 690 V the 11.9 kA rating is lower, so verify it against the available fault current if the panel is fed from a 690 V transformer.
Built-in auxiliaries and shunt trip
Factory-fitted with 2 auxiliary switches (HQ type) and a shunt trip (STL) release — that means the breaker can report its open/closed status to a PLC and be tripped remotely by a control signal. The integrated auxiliary trip module carries order code 3VA9688-0BL32, which is the specific subassembly if a replacement is ever needed. No undervoltage release, no ground-fault monitoring, no communication module on this variant.
Panel fit and environmental limits
Dimensions: 130 mm high, 76.2 mm wide, 70 mm deep — standard 3VA frame size that mounts on a DIN rail or via screw terminals in a distribution board. Front protection is IP40, meaning tools and fingers stay out, but the enclosure around it must handle splash or dust. Operating range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage from -40 °C to 80 °C. The 800 V rated insulation voltage (Ui) covers 690 V line-to-line systems with margin.