The Siemens SENTRON 5SL4316-7 is a 3-pole miniature circuit breaker with a C-curve trip characteristic, rated 16 A at 400 V AC and a 10 kA breaking capacity per both EN 60898 and IEC 60947-2. It's designed for residential and infrastructure branch-circuit protection where moderate inrush (like motor-start or capacitive loads) needs a C-curve to avoid nuisance tripping on the magnetic trip.
What the ratings mean for fit
The C-curve (5–10× In magnetic trip) means this breaker holds through the short-duration inrush of small motors, transformers, or banks of LED drivers — a B-curve would nuisance-trip on the same surge, while a D-curve would let a fault ride too long. At 16 A per pole, it's sized for a 3-phase load around 11 kW at 400 V (assuming 0.8 PF) or for distributing a 16 A feeder into three sub-circuits. The 10 kA breaking capacity matches the typical prospective short-circuit current at the main distribution board in most residential and light commercial panels; if your fault level exceeds that, you'll need an upstream current-limiting device. The 3-pole (3P) design switches all three phases simultaneously, which matters for 3-phase motor circuits where single-phasing a load isn't acceptable. The 72 V DC maximum rating is a side capability for DC distribution in telecom or solar combiner boxes, but the primary duty is AC at 400 V.
Physical fit and installation
The breaker occupies 3 modular width units (54 mm total) on a DIN rail, with a depth of 76 mm and an installation depth of 70 mm. It can be mounted in any position, sealed (padlockable), and is rated IP20 with connected conductors — fine for enclosed distribution boards, but not for wet or dust-exposed locations without an outer enclosure. The overvoltage category III and pollution degree 2 ratings confirm it's suitable for fixed-installation panels, not for outdoor or industrial-heavy environments without additional housing. Mechanical service life is 10 000 operating cycles typical, which is standard for this class. Supplementary devices (auxiliary contacts, shunt trips, alarm switches) can be added via the product extension interface — useful for remote status or emergency-off integration.