The Siemens 5SL6216-7MB is a SENTRON miniature circuit breaker rated 16 A with a C tripping characteristic, designed for 2-pole (1P+N) protection in 400 V AC systems. Its 6 kA breaking capacity per EN 60898 covers the majority of residential and light commercial service-entrance fault levels, while the C-curve (5–10× In magnetic trip) handles motor and lighting inrush without nuisance tripping on moderate-starting loads. Occupying 2 modular width units (36 mm) on a DIN rail, it fits standard distribution boards with a 70 mm installation depth behind the panel cover.
The C-curve (5–10× In) means the magnetic trip activates between 80 A and 160 A for this 16 A breaker — suited for circuits with moderate inrush like small motors, transformers, or capacitor banks, but not for pure resistive loads where a B-curve would give tighter protection. The 6 kA breaking capacity per EN 60898 is the rated short-circuit capacity at 400 V; at lower fault currents the breaker clears faster, but the 6 kA figure is the maximum fault it can safely interrupt without welding contacts or rupturing the case. Power loss per pole is 1.7 W at rated current in hot state, so a 2-pole breaker dissipates about 3.4 W internally — factor that into enclosure thermal calculations if the board is densely populated.
Temperature range and environmental tolerance
Rated for ambient temperatures from -40 °C to +75 °C, with pollution degree 2 and overvoltage category III — suitable for unheated enclosures in cold climates and for main distribution panels where transient overvoltages are expected.