Siemens SENTRON 3VA1196-5EF36-0AA0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for 16 A continuous current with a TM240 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release. It's designed for line protection in distribution panels — the interrupting ratings tell the real story: 187 kA at 240 V AC, 121 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, and still 17 kA at 690 V. That kind of SCCR headroom means it handles high-fault environments without cascading upstream — a key spec for selectivity studies on industrial feeders.
Sizing and thermal derating
The 16 A continuous rating holds flat from 40 °C through 55 °C — no derating needed in a standard 40 °C panel. At 60 °C it drops to 15 A, and stays at 15 A through 70 °C. That's a clean thermal curve: the breaker doesn't start shedding capacity until well above typical enclosure ambient. The TM240 release is fixed, so the trip curve is set at the factory; no field-adjustable thermal or magnetic dials.
Panel fit and footprint
Dimensions: 70 mm deep, 76.2 mm wide, 130 mm tall. The 3-pole width of 76.2 mm (3 inches) is standard for a 160 A frame MCCB — it bolts into a panel bus or mounts on a mounting plate. Depth at 70 mm keeps it clear of most gland plates and door swings. Maximum power loss is 10.6 W, so heat dissipation inside the enclosure is manageable even in a dense lineup.