What the ratings mean for your panel
The Siemens SENTRON 5SP3416-3 is a 4-pole miniature circuit breaker (MCB) with an E tripping characteristic, rated 16 A at 400 V AC and 50 Hz. The 25 kA breaking capacity (per EN 60898) means it can safely interrupt a fault current up to 25,000 A at the rated voltage — critical for high-fault installations like main distribution panels or industrial sub-distribution where the prospective short-circuit current is substantial. The E-curve (typically between B and C for inrush handling) makes it suited for resistive and general loads in residential and infrastructure applications, not motor starting. The 690 V insulation voltage (Ui) and overvoltage category IV rating confirm this breaker is designed for the main incoming supply side of an installation — not just downstream branch circuits. Pollution degree 3 means it tolerates conductive dust and humidity typical in industrial enclosures, not just clean residential panels. Temperature derating is built in: at 30 °C ambient it carries the full 16 A; at 40 °C it derates to 15.2 A, at 50 °C to 14.4 A, and at 55 °C to 14 A. If your panel runs hot (common in crowded enclosures), use the 40 °C or 50 °C figure for sizing, not the 30 °C label rating.
Mounting and integration
Snaps onto standard DIN rail (EN 60715) — 6 modular width units wide, so it occupies 108 mm of rail space. The 76.3 mm depth fits standard distribution boards and enclosures; the 128 mm height is within typical cut-out dimensions for main switchgear panels. Terminals accept solid or stranded conductors from 2.5 mm² up to 50 mm², with saddle terminals for secure clamping. The infeed can be at the box terminal (line side) or either end — the breaker is rated for any power supply position, so no orientation restrictions during wiring. IP40 protection with connected conductors — fine for indoor panels; not rated for washdown or outdoor exposure without an additional enclosure. The integrated locking slide accepts a padlock, wire seal, or cable tie for lockout/tagout compliance.
Sourcing and lifecycle
The SENTRON series is Siemens' standard MCB platform, widely used across European and Middle Eastern installations. Compliance documentation (CE, RoHS, REACH) is standard with the brand; the EN 60898 and IEC 60947-2 certifications cover the breaking capacity and operational performance.