16 A RMS, 400 V — what this triac handles
The STMicroelectronics BTA16-400BRG is a standard triac rated for 16 A RMS on-state current and 400 V off-state voltage, housed in a TO-220-3 through-hole package. It is a single-configuration device with a maximum gate trigger current of 50 mA and a gate trigger voltage of 1.3 V. The hold current is also 50 mA, typical for a triac of this current class. The non-repetitive surge current rating is 160 A at 50 Hz and 168 A at 60 Hz, giving it headroom for motor or lamp inrush.
For new designs or replacement needs, the BTA16-600BRG is a common cross-shop candidate — it shares the same package, pinout, and trigger characteristics but offers a 600 V off-state rating instead of 400 V. Because this part is obsolete, the primary sourcing channel is independent distribution.
Package and mounting — through-hole TO-220
The BTA16-400BRG comes in a TO-220-3 through-hole package, shipped in Tube form. The through-hole mounting suits point-to-point wiring on perfboard or PCB soldering with adequate copper area for thermal dissipation.