MCCB for high-fault panels
The Siemens 3VA1196-5EF36-0HA0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) with a 16 A rated continuous current and a 187 kA interrupting capacity at 240 V AC — that's the headline number for a high-fault panel where a standard MCB would weld shut. Three poles, thermal-magnetic TM240 release, and a factory-fitted shunt trip (3VA9688-0BL30) for remote trip via a control signal. No auxiliary contacts, no undervoltage release, no comms module — this is a straight line-protection breaker for a feeder or a large motor branch where you need the interrupting muscle.
Breaking capacity across voltages
The interrupting rating drops as line voltage climbs: 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at 690 V. That 17 kA at 690 V is the weak point — if your panel feeds a 690 V drive bus with a prospective fault current above that, this breaker won't clear it. At 240 V, though, it handles nearly anything a distribution transformer can throw at it.
Thermal derating and panel fit
Rated 16 A continuous from 40 °C through 50 °C, then it starts to taper: 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 an amp — plan the load accordingly. The case is 70 mm deep by 76.2 mm wide by 130 mm high, IP40 on the front. That width is a standard 3-pole MCCB footprint; it bolts into a SENTRON mounting plate or a DIN-rail adapter without surprises.