The Siemens 3VA1196-5EF32-0DC0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 16 A continuous current across the 40 °C to 55 °C ambient range, derating to 15 A at 60 °C through 70 °C. Its headline breaking capacity hits 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V, and 75.6 kA at 440 V — figures that handle high-fault industrial feeds without cascading upstream. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V, and the 3-pole design targets line protection duty.
What the ratings mean for fit
The 187 kA at 240 V is the short-circuit current rating (SCCR) at that voltage — the breaker can safely interrupt a fault up to that level without welding contacts or rupturing, which is critical for transformer-fed mains or large motor banks. The 121 kA at 415 V and 75.6 kA at 440 V cover common three-phase distribution voltages in industrial plants. At 500 V and 690 V the rating drops to 17 kA, still adequate for most 480/600 V motor control centers but not for ultra-high-fault petrochemical switchgear. Current rating holds at 16 A from 40 °C through 55 °C ambient — no derating needed in a typical 40 °C panel. Above that, it steps to 15 A at 60 °C through 70 °C. The 13.1 W maximum power loss means the breaker dissipates that heat into the enclosure; factor it into your panel thermal budget if you're packing multiple units side by side. The breaker ships with an undervoltage release (UVR) as standard — it trips the breaker when supply voltage drops below a set threshold, protecting motors from re-accelerating on an undervoltage condition. Two HQ auxiliary switches are built in for status feedback to a PLC or annunciator panel.
Panel integration and footprint
Dimensions are 130 mm height, 76.2 mm width, 70 mm depth — a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint that fits most DIN-rail or panel-mount enclosures without re-drilling. The 70 mm depth is shallow enough for 200 mm deep enclosures with room for wiring behind the breaker.