What this MCCB delivers — and where the ratings matter
The 3VA1196-5EF36-0AC0 is a 3-pole SENTRON molded case circuit breaker rated for 16 A continuous current with a TM240 thermal-magnetic release. The headline number here is the interrupting capacity: 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at 690 V. That 187 kA figure means this breaker can safely clear a fault of that magnitude without welding contacts or rupturing the case — critical for high-fault panels near large transformers or utility feeds. The TM240 release gives a fixed thermal curve and magnetic trip; no field adjustment, which simplifies spec-in for a BOM line where repeatability matters more than tuning. Thermal derating is straightforward: the breaker holds its full 16 A rating from 40 °C through 50 °C, then drops 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 your panel ambient sits at 60 °C, you lose about 1 A — plan the load accordingly. The operating range spans -25 °C to 70 °C, with storage from -40 °C to 80 °C.
Panel fit and integration
This MCCB occupies a 76.2 mm wide by 130 mm tall by 70 mm deep footprint — standard for a 3-pole SENTRON frame at this rating. The front face carries IP40 protection, which is typical for a panel-mounted device behind a closed door; it's not washdown-rated, so keep it inside the enclosure. Two auxiliary switches (HQ type) come built in, giving you status feedback without adding a separate module — useful for PLC inputs or remote indication.