What it is and what the ratings mean
The Siemens 5SL4516-8 is a SENTRON miniature circuit breaker (MCB) with a 1P+N pole configuration — it switches the line and switches the neutral, but only the line pole is protected against overcurrent. Rated 16 A with a D tripping characteristic, it is designed for loads with high inrush currents such as small motors, transformers, or lighting ballasts where a C-curve would nuisance-trip. The 10 kA breaking capacity is certified under both EN 60898 (residential standard) and IEC 60947-2 (industrial standard), so it can safely interrupt fault currents up to that level without upstream cascading. Operating voltage is 230 V AC single-phase, 50/60 Hz. The D-curve trips between 10× and 20× In (160 A to 320 A magnetic trip threshold), which is the key spec for motor or transformer branch circuits. At 1.2 W power loss per pole in hot operating state, thermal management inside a crowded enclosure is manageable — no forced cooling needed at this rating. The MCB is sealable (tamper-evident cover) and halogen-free / silicon-free, which matters for installations with sensitive contacts or where corrosive outgassing is a concern.
Panel fit and integration
Width is 36 mm (2 modular width units on a DIN rail), depth 76 mm, height 90 mm, with 70 mm installation depth behind the panel face. Mounting position is any — no derating required for horizontal or inverted orientation. IP20 with connected conductors, so it belongs inside a closed enclosure, not exposed to washdown. Pollution degree 2 and overvoltage category III are standard for fixed-installation distribution boards in residential or light commercial infrastructure. Supplementary devices (auxiliary switches, shunt trips, alarm contacts) can be installed on the right side via the product extension feature — useful for remote status monitoring or emergency-off integration. The neutral conductor is switched internally, so no separate neutral pole block is needed.
Lifecycle and sourcing
Production status is Active per Siemens — this is a current catalog item, not a phase-out or NRND line. The 5SL4516-8 is part of the standard SENTRON 5SL portfolio, widely specified for European-style distribution boards. Sourced to order through independent distribution; availability and current pricing confirmed at quote time against an RFQ. No known PCN or EOL notice on this variant.