SCCR and thermal derating — what the ratings mean
The 3VA1196-5EF36-0JA0: The interrupting ratings are the standout: 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at 690 V. At 240 V this breaker clears a 187 kA fault without cascading upstream — that is a high-fault-capacity MCCB for transformer secondaries or large motor control centers where available fault current exceeds 100 kA. The 690 V rating (17 kA) confirms it can serve 690 V industrial grids, though the 440 V figure (75.6 kA) is the more common threshold for North American 480 V systems. Thermally, the 16 A rating holds flat from 40 °C through 50 °C; above that it derates linearly to 14.4 A at 70 °C. If the panel ambient runs above 50 °C, the breaker must be applied at the derated current — a point often missed in BOM planning.
Physical fit and panel integration
The 3VA1196-5EF36-0JA0 measures 130 mm high, 76.2 mm wide, and 70 mm deep — a standard SENTRON 3VA frame size that mounts on a DIN rail or directly to a backplate via the integral latching mechanism. The 76.2 mm width (3 inches) occupies three 25.4 mm module positions on a DIN rail, matching the 3-pole footprint. Front protection is IP40, so the breaker face is protected against tools and small solids but not against water ingress — suitable for enclosed panel mounting, not washdown environments. The -25 °C to 70 °C operating range covers most indoor industrial enclosures, and the -40 °C to 80 °C storage range accommodates cold warehouse or transport conditions.