What this MCCB is and what it does
The Siemens 3VA1196-4GD42-0AA0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) for line protection — the main disconnect and fault interrupter in a distribution panel or motor control center. It is rated 16 A continuous and carries a TM210 thermal-magnetic trip unit. Four poles handle three-phase plus neutral switching. Breaking capacity reaches 121 kA at 240 V AC, 75.6 kA at 415 V, and 52.5 kA at 440 V — high enough for most industrial mains-fault scenarios without cascading upstream. At 690 V the rating drops to 11.9 kA, which still covers many 690 V distribution points. Insulation voltage is rated 800 V.
Thermal derating and panel fit
The 16 A rating holds steady from 40 °C up to 55 °C ambient; at 60 °C it derates to 15 A, and stays at 15 A through 70 °C. That means in a warm enclosure you lose 1 A — plan your load margin accordingly. Dimensions are 101.6 mm wide, 130 mm high, 70 mm deep — a 4-inch-wide footprint that fits standard MCCB panel cutouts. IP40 on the front means it is protected against solid objects over 1 mm; not rated for washdown.