Siemens SENTRON 3VA1196-6EF46-0AA0 — 4-Pole MCCB with TM240 Release
The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1196-6EF46-0AA0 is a 4-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) designed for line protection, carrying a 16 A rated current at 40 °C and a TM240 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release. Its breaking capacity reaches 220 kA at 240 VAC, 154 kA at 415 VAC, and 121 kA at 440 VAC — figures that place it in the high-interrupting category for industrial distribution panels where fault currents can exceed 100 kA. At 500 VAC and 690 VAC the capacity drops to 17 kA, so the application voltage determines whether this breaker handles the available fault current. Rated insulation voltage is 800 V, and the unit dissipates 10.6 W maximum under load — a figure to include in enclosure thermal calculations.
Current Rating vs. Ambient Temperature
The 16 A rating holds steady from 40 °C through 55 °C; at 60 °C it derates to 15 A and stays there through 70 °C. This flat thermal curve means the breaker does not lose headroom until the panel ambient exceeds 55 °C — useful for tightly packed enclosures or warm environments.
Mounting and Integration
Dimensions are 70 mm deep, 101.6 mm wide, and 130 mm high — a 4-pole footprint that fits standard SENTRON panel cutouts and DIN-rail or screw-mount backplates. Front protection is IP40, meaning tools or fingers will not contact live parts from the front, but the breaker is not sealed against dust ingress from the sides or rear.