It is designed for residential and infrastructure branch-circuit protection per EN 60898 and IEC 60947-2, with a breaking capacity of 4.5 kA under EN 60898 and 5 kA under IEC 60947-2. The C-curve means the magnetic trip operates at 5 to 10 times rated current (80 to 160 A for this 16 A unit), making it suitable for moderate inrush loads like lighting banks, small motor starters, and general-purpose socket circuits where you need to ride through the start-up surge without nuisance tripping.
The 5SL3216-7 occupies 2 modular width units (36 mm total) on a DIN rail, with a depth of 76 mm and an installation depth of 70 mm behind the panel face. The 90 mm height clears standard enclosure backplates.
The supply frequency is 50/60 Hz. The 4.5 kA breaking capacity (EN 60898) is the standard for residential final circuits; the 5 kA rating per IEC 60947-2 gives a small margin for light commercial panels. For higher fault currents (e.g., 6 kA or 10 kA), the 5SL6220-7 (2-pole, 20 A, C-curve, 6 kA) or 5SL4363-7 (3-pole, 63 A, C-curve, 10 kA) are available in the same SENTRON family. Power loss per pole is 1.8 W at rated current in hot operating state — 3.6 W total for the 2-pole unit. This matters for thermal coordination inside a crowded enclosure; derating may be required if ambient exceeds 40 °C, though the breaker is rated for storage up to 75 °C and operation down to -40 °C.