What this MCCB delivers for the panel
The Siemens 3VA1196-5EF36-0AB0 is a 3-pole SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for line protection, carrying a continuous current Iu of 16 A and a TM240 thermal-magnetic release that holds the zone through overload and short-circuit events without nuisance tripping on motor inrush. The interrupting capacity hits 187 kA at 240 V and 121 kA at 415 V, so it clears high-fault bolted shorts in a main or feeder position without cascading upstream — the SCCR headroom is there for industrial distribution panels where the transformer secondary can dump serious energy. The 70 mm depth and 76.2 mm width keep it within a standard MCCB footprint for retrofit into existing SENTRON or 3VA-based switchboards.
Thermal derating and auxiliary contacts
Rated continuous current holds at 16 A up to 50 °C ambient; above that it steps down to 15.36 A at 55 °C, 15.04 A at 60 °C, 14.72 A at 65 °C, and 14.4 A at 70 °C. If the panel ambient runs hot — say, next to a drive cabinet — size the load side for the derated value, not the nameplate 16 A. The breaker ships with 2 auxiliary switches (HP type) built in, which saves a separate aux block and wiring pass for status feedback to the PLC or annunciator.