The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1196-4EF46-0AA0 is a 4-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed for line protection in distribution panels. It carries a full-load current of 16 A at 40 °C ambient — no derating needed up to 55 °C, then 15 A at 60 °C and above. The TM240 thermal-magnetic release handles overloads and short-circuits without an external trip unit. Breaking capacity is the headline: 121 kA at 240 V AC, dropping to 75.6 kA at 415 V, 52.5 kA at 440 V, and 11.9 kA at both 500 V and 690 V. That means it can interrupt a fault of that magnitude without welding contacts or cascading upstream — critical for high-fault panels near transformers or large motor banks.
Current lifecycle stage per the manufacturer — no phase-out or last-time-buy notice on record. Sourced to order against an RFQ through independent distribution; availability and current pricing confirmed at quote time.
Panel footprint: 101.6 mm wide, 130 mm tall, 70 mm deep. Four poles fit a standard MCCB cutout; IP40 on the front means protection against tools and wires >1 mm — fine for enclosed switchboards, not for washdown zones. Rated insulation voltage 800 V, so it can be used in 480/277 V or 600 V systems with headroom.