The Siemens SENTRON 3VA1196-6GE42-0AA0 is a 4-pole molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) rated at 16 A continuous, designed for line protection in distribution panels. It carries a TM220 thermal-magnetic overcurrent release — the thermal element handles overloads, the magnetic element clears short-circuits. The 220 kA breaking capacity at 240 V means this breaker can safely interrupt fault currents up to that level without upstream fusing or cascading, which is critical for high-fault-capacity service-entrance or industrial feeder applications.
Breaking capacity across voltages
The 3VA1196-6GE42-0AA0's interrupting rating varies with system voltage: 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. The steep drop above 440 V reflects the arc-quenching limits of the 16 A frame size — at 690 V the breaker still clears 17 kA, which covers most industrial motor-circuit fault levels but not high-capacity transformer secondaries. For a 480 V delta service, the 121 kA at 440 V figure is the closest benchmark; the actual 480 V rating would fall between the 440 V and 500 V values.
Thermal derating and panel integration
The breaker holds its full 16 A rating from 40 °C through 55 °C ambient. At 60 °C and 65 °C it derates to 15 A; at 70 °C it remains at 15 A. The 70 mm depth and 101.6 mm width fit standard SENTRON 4-pole MCCB mounting footprints — it occupies the same DIN-rail or screw-mount pattern as other 3VA frame breakers. The IP40 front protection means it is suited for enclosed distribution boards where the door provides the environmental seal; not rated for washdown or outdoor exposure without an additional enclosure.