What this MCCB does and where it fits
The Siemens 3VA1196-5GF42-0AA0 is a 4-pole SENTRON molded case circuit breaker rated 16 A continuous (Iu) with a TM240 thermal-magnetic trip unit. It is a line-protection device — meaning it sits between the transformer and the distribution bus, not on a motor branch — and carries no communication module or ground-fault monitoring. The interrupting ratings climb from 17 kA at 690 V to 187 kA at 240 V, so it clears high-fault-current faults at lower voltages without upstream coordination grief. Panel builders will note the 70 mm depth and 101.6 mm width; it fits a standard MCCB footprint on DIN rail or a mounting plate. The front face is IP40 — fine for a dry enclosure, but keep washdown away from the nameplate.
Ratings and what they mean in a real panel
The 16 A rating holds flat from 45 °C to 55 °C, then derates to 15 A at 60 °C through 70 °C. That means in a warm cabinet — say, 50 °C ambient — you still get the full 16 A; no need to oversize. The TM240 trip unit has an adjustable magnetic pickup up to 320 A (li max), which is 20× the continuous rating, so it handles motor inrush or transformer magnetizing current without nuisance tripping. The 100% N-conductor protection means the neutral pole is fully rated — critical on 4-wire systems where the neutral carries harmonic currents. Insulation voltage is 800 V, and the max DC operational voltage is 600 V, so it can also serve in DC distribution or battery circuits if the application calls for it.
Mounting and integration notes
At 70 mm deep × 101.6 mm wide × 130 mm tall, the 3VA1196-5GF42-0AA0 fits standard panel cutouts and DIN-rail mounting. The IP40 front face means it's suitable for enclosed distribution boards. An optional motor drive (listed as available) allows remote trip or reset. Power loss is 10.6 W maximum — negligible for thermal budgeting in a multi-breaker panel, but worth checking if you're packing 20+ breakers into a sealed enclosure. Storage temperature range is -40 °C to 80 °C; operating range is -25 °C to 70 °C.