Siemens SENTRON 3VA1196-5EF36-0CH0 — 16 A MCCB, 3-Pole, 187 kA at 240 V
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1196-5EF36-0CH0 is a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for line protection, carrying a 16 A continuous current at 40 °C through 55 °C, derating to 15 A at 60 °C through 70 °C. Its interrupting capacity hits 187 kA at 240 V AC, 121 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at both 500 V and 690 V — that's the SCCR headroom you need for a high-fault panel downstream of a large transformer. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V. Undervoltage release (UVR) is factory-fitted. Auxiliary contact configuration: 2 auxiliary switches plus 1 trip alarm switch (HQ). Power dissipation maxes at 13.1 W — factor that into enclosure thermal rise if you're packing multiple breakers in a sealed panel. Dimensions are 130 mm high, 76.2 mm wide, 70 mm deep, so it fits the standard 3-pole MCCB footprint on a DIN rail or mounting plate.
Selectivity and Coordination Notes
The 187 kA at 240 V is the ultimate breaking capacity (Icu) — the breaker can interrupt that fault once and still be functional. For selectivity (discrimination) with downstream 10 kA or 18 kA branch breakers, you need the manufacturer's coordination tables; the high Icu doesn't guarantee full selectivity on its own. The 16 A rating and the thermal curve shape (flat from 40 °C to 55 °C) make this a good fit for a feeder protecting a group of smaller motor loads or a lighting panel where ambient stays below 55 °C.