The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1196-6ED46-0AA0 is a 4-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed for line protection, fitted with a TM210 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release. It carries a continuous current rating of 16 A across ambient temperatures up to 55 °C; at 60 °C it derates to 15 A, and holds that rating through 70 °C. The key decision for the buyer is the interrupting capacity: this unit delivers 220 kA at 240 V, 154 kA at 415 V, and 121 kA at 440 V — high-fault ratings that suit it for main service-entrance or large distribution positions where available fault current is substantial. At 500 V and 690 V the breaking capacity drops to 17 kA, so verify the system voltage and available fault current before committing the BOM line.
Breaking capacity and selectivity planning
The interrupting ratings tell the selectivity story. At 240 V the 220 kA figure is among the highest in the 3VA frame size — enough to sit upstream of a transformer or at the main lug of a high-capacity switchboard. The 154 kA at 415 V (common 400 V class) and 121 kA at 440 V cover most industrial distribution voltages. The sharp drop to 17 kA at 500 V and 690 V means this breaker is not the right choice for 690 V motor control centers or mining equipment; for those applications look to the 3VA2 frame or a current-limiting fuse combination. The TM210 trip unit provides fixed thermal and magnetic settings — no interchangeable rating plugs — so the 16 A continuous rating is hard-set at the factory.
Integration and mounting
The 3VA1196-6ED46-0AA0 mounts on a DIN rail or can be screw-fixed to a backplate via the integral mounting slots. At 101.6 mm wide (4 inches), it occupies a standard 4-pole MCCB footprint in a distribution panel. The power loss is 10.6 W maximum — factor that into enclosure thermal calculations, especially in a sealed cabinet with multiple breakers ganged together. No undervoltage release, no shunt trip, and no communication module are fitted on this variant; if remote tripping or status monitoring is required, order the version with the appropriate accessory slot.