Rated for 16 A with 187 kA breaking capacity at 240 V
The Siemens 3VA1196-5EF36-0KH0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated 16 A continuous at 40 °C, 3-pole, with a massive 187 kA interrupting capacity at 240 V. That 187 kA figure means it can safely clear a fault up to that level without welding contacts or rupturing the case — critical for high-fault panels near large transformers or utility feeds. At 415 V it still interrupts 121 kA, at 440 V it holds 75.6 kA, and at 500 V and 690 V it derates to 17 kA. The part is designed for line protection (feeder duty), not motor starting. It carries a shunt trip (STL) auxiliary release and comes with 2 auxiliary switches plus 1 trip alarm switch (HQ). The built-in trip indicator and voltage trigger confirm fault events. No undervoltage release is fitted. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V. Maximum power loss is 10.6 W.
Panel fit and integration
Dimensions: 130 mm height, 76.2 mm width, 70 mm depth. The 3-pole footprint matches standard Siemens 3VA1 panel cutouts and busbar spacing. The 70 mm depth leaves clearance in shallow enclosures. Wire terminals accept copper or aluminum conductors per the Siemens terminal chart. The shunt trip and auxiliary switches plug into the front accessory slots without increasing width.