The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1196-5EF42-0AA0 is a 4-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated for line protection, carrying a continuous current of 16 A at 40 °C and an interrupting capacity of 187 kA at 240 VAC — that figure drops to 121 kA at 415 V and 75.6 kA at 440 V, so the available fault current at the panel location governs which voltage class you size against.
Interrupting capacity and thermal-magnetic trip
The TM240 overcurrent release combines a thermal bimetal for overload protection with a magnetic coil for short-circuit response; the 240 designation indicates the magnetic trip threshold is fixed at 240 A (15× the 16 A frame rating). Rated insulation voltage is 800 V, so the breaker is suitable for 480Y/277 V and 600 V delta systems common in North American and European industrial panels.
Thermal derating and ambient conditions
The 16 A rating holds steady from 40 °C through 55 °C; at 60 °C it derates to 15 A, and at 70 °C it remains at 15 A — no further drop. Operating range is -25 °C to 70 °C, storage from -40 °C to 80 °C. Power loss at rated load is 10.6 W maximum, which matters for heat buildup in a densely packed enclosure.
Physical fit and panel integration
Mounts on a DIN rail or directly to a backplate. Dimensions are 130 mm high, 101.6 mm wide, 70 mm deep — a 4-pole frame that occupies roughly 4 inches of DIN width. Front protection is IP40, meaning tools and fingers stay out but the breaker is not sealed against washdown; install it inside a rated enclosure for wet or dusty environments.