What this MCCB is and where it fits
The Siemens 3VA1196-6EE42-0AA0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed for line protection in distribution panels. It's a 4-pole unit rated at 16 A continuous, with a TM220 thermal-magnetic release — meaning the thermal element handles overloads and the magnetic element handles short-circuits, no electronic trip unit to program. The 220 kA breaking capacity at 240 V tells you this breaker is sized for high-fault installations where the available fault current is substantial, like a main feeder or a large sub-distribution board. The IP40 front protection means it's splash-proof from the front but not sealed — standard for indoor panel mounting.
Breaking capacity across voltages — what it means for your panel
The interrupting rating drops as voltage climbs: 220 kA at 240 V, 154 kA at 415 V, 121 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at both 500 V and 690 V. That steep drop above 440 V is the key selection gate — if your system runs at 480 V or 600 V class, this breaker still interrupts 17 kA, which is adequate for most secondary distribution but not for high-fault main service at those voltages. For a 400 V panel (common in IEC markets), 154 kA gives generous headroom. The 800 V rated insulation voltage confirms the internal clearances handle the higher voltage, but the interruption capability is what governs the SCCR coordination study.
Current rating and thermal performance
Rated 16 A continuous from 40 °C through 55 °C ambient (–), then derates to 15 A at 60–70 °C (–). That's a tight thermal curve — no derating until you cross 55 °C, which is unusual for MCCBs and means this breaker runs cool in a standard 40 °C panel. The 10.6 W maximum power loss is the heat it dissipates at full load; in a dense panel with multiple breakers side by side, that heat adds up, so factor it into your enclosure thermal calculation. The TM220 release is fixed — no interchangeable trip units, no adjustable long-time or short-time pickup. Set it and forget it, which simplifies ordering but means you commit to the 16 A rating for the breaker's life.
Physical fit and panel integration
Dimensions: 130 mm height, 101.6 mm width, 70 mm depth. That 70 mm depth is shallow for a 4-pole MCCB with 220 kA interrupting capacity — it fits in a 200 mm deep enclosure with room for wiring gutters. The 101.6 mm width (4 inches) is standard for a 4-pole frame in this class; it occupies four 25 mm module spaces on a DIN rail if mounted via the optional adapter, but typically these bolt directly to a mounting plate. The IP40 front means the breaker face is protected against tools and small wires, but the terminals are exposed — standard for panelboard installation.