16 A MCCB with 187 kA interrupting capacity — what the ratings mean for your panel
The 3VA1196-5EF36-0AE0 is a 3-pole SENTRON molded case circuit breaker rated for 16 A continuous current (Iu) and fitted with a TM240 thermal-magnetic release — a fixed-trip curve that holds 16 A continuously and trips magnetically on short-circuit. The interrupting capacity at 240 V is 187 kA, dropping to 121 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at 690 V. Those numbers tell you this breaker can clear a bolted fault at the main distribution board without cascading upstream — the 187 kA figure at 240 V is unusually high for a 16 A frame, meaning it can be used where available fault current is severe (large transformer, tight grid coupling). The 690 V rating (17 kA) confirms it can also serve 690 V line-side protection in industrial networks, though the 16 A continuous rating limits it to smaller loads or subfeeds.
Thermal derating and auxiliary contact fit
Continuous current holds at 16 A from 40 °C through 50 °C ambient; above 55 °C it derates linearly to 14.4 A at 70 °C. If the breaker sits in a warm enclosure (say, 60 °C near the top of a panel), plan for 15.04 A continuous — a 6 % reduction from the nameplate. The 4 HQ auxiliary switches (form C, rated for high endurance) give you four independent signal paths for status feedback to the PLC or remote I/O — enough to cover open/closed indication plus a separate alarm for the trip coil. The front face carries IP40 protection (tool-proof, not water-resistant); the breaker is intended for dry indoor panel environments.