What it is and where it fits
The Siemens 3VA1196-5EE46-0AA0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed for line protection in distribution panels. Its 4-pole configuration and 16 A rating at 40 °C suit it for main or feeder protection in commercial and industrial switchboards where high fault current capacity is required.
Breaking capacity — the real-world number
Rated breaking capacity reaches 187 kA at 240 V, dropping to 121 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at 500 V and 690 V. The 187 kA figure at 240 V means this breaker can safely clear a bolted fault up to that level without rupturing — critical for high-fault installations near large transformers or utility feeds. At 690 V the 17 kA rating still covers most motor-circuit fault levels.
Thermal-magnetic trip and derating
The TM220 overcurrent release combines a thermal bimetal for overload protection and a magnetic coil for short-circuit response. Rated current holds at 16 A from 40 °C through 55 °C; above that it derates to 15 A at 60 °C, 65 °C, and 70 °C. The insulation voltage is rated 800 V, and the maximum power loss is 10.6 W — relevant for thermal budgeting inside a sealed enclosure.
Panel fit and environmental limits
Dimensions are 130 mm high, 101.6 mm wide, and 70 mm deep — a standard 4-pole MCCB footprint that fits most DIN-rail or panel-mount assemblies. Front protection is IP40 (tools and wires over 1 mm kept out), so it belongs inside a cabinet, not in a washdown zone. Operating temperature range is -25 °C to 70 °C; storage from -40 °C to 80 °C.