What the ratings mean for fit
The 5SL6516-7CC is a Siemens SENTRON miniature circuit breaker (MCB) with a C tripping characteristic, rated 16 A at 230 V AC, single-phase, 50/60 Hz. The C curve means it tolerates inrush currents 5–10× the rated current before tripping magnetically — suited for residential and light commercial loads like lighting circuits and general-purpose socket outlets where moderate inrush is expected. Breaking capacity is 6 kA per EN 60898, which certifies the breaker can safely interrupt a fault current up to 6 kA at the rated voltage without welding contacts or causing arc flash. The 1P+N pole design switches the line conductor and disconnects the neutral; the neutral pole is not overcurrent-protected, so this fits single-phase final subcircuits where neutral switching is required by local code. Thermal derating is published: 16 A at 30 °C, 15.28 A at 40 °C, 14.91 A at 45 °C, 14.53 A at 50 °C, and 14.14 A at 55 °C. If the breaker is installed in a warm enclosure or adjacent to other heat-dissipating devices, use the 40 °C or 50 °C column to size the load — the 16 A nameplate rating is only valid at 30 °C ambient. DC rating is 72 V maximum, so it can also serve as a DC branch circuit protector in low-voltage control panels or PV combiner boxes, but only up to that voltage and with the appropriate DC derating applied.
Mounting and integration
Width is 36 mm (2 modular width units), depth 76 mm, height 90 mm. Installation depth (behind the panel face) is 70 mm. Mounts on standard 35 mm DIN rail in any position. IP20 with connected conductors — suitable for enclosed distribution boards; not rated for washdown or outdoor exposure without an additional enclosure. Sealable design allows the installer to lock the toggle in the off position for lockout/tagout compliance. Supplementary devices (auxiliary switches, shunt trips, undervoltage releases) can be snapped onto the right side — the product extension is supported per the manufacturer's accessory range. Power loss is 2.8 W per pole at rated current in hot operating state; factor that into the enclosure thermal budget if multiple breakers are ganged.