What this part is and what it does
The Siemens 3RH1911-1GA13-ZW97 is a SIRIUS auxiliary switch block with one normally open and three normally closed contacts, wired per EN 50011 contact arrangement 53 E. Screw-type terminals accept 2x (0.5 to 1.5 mm²) or 2x (0.75 to 2.5 mm²) with core-end processing, or AWG 20–16 and 18–14 for the auxiliary circuit. It snaps onto a 35 mm DIN rail alongside contactor relays and power contactors, occupying 36.5 mm of panel width. Rated operational current hits 10 A maximum, with specific thermal current ratings across the voltage range: 6 A at 24 V AC/DC, 6 A at 125 V, 6 A at 230 V, 3 A at 400 V, and 0.3 A at 220 V. The AC-15 utilization category at 690 V is rated at 1 A — that's the inductive load switching capacity for solenoid and contactor coils at line voltage. Insulation voltage is 690 V with pollution degree 3, surge voltage resistance 6 kV. Mechanical service life is typical 10 million switching cycles. Contact reliability is rated at one faulty switching per 100 million operations at 17 V, 1 mA — relevant for low-level signal circuits where oxide films on silver contacts can cause intermittent opens. Storage temperature range -55 to +80 °C; operating ambient -25 to +60 °C. Front face is IP20 protected.
Lifecycle and sourcing reality
The 3RH1911-1GA13-ZW97 is a phased-out product. The official Siemens successor is the SIRIUS 3RH2 series auxiliary switch blocks. For BOM lines that still call out this exact order code, the part is sourced through independent distribution channels — quoted to order against an RFQ, with availability and current pricing confirmed at quote time. No last-time-buy window remains open from the factory. The -ZW97 suffix indicates multi-unit packaging (140 units per pack), so a single order code covers a full panel build quantity. If your panel drawing references this specific variant, the 3RH2 successor may require a footprint or wiring check before substitution.
Panel integration notes
Snap-on mounting onto 35 mm DIN rail, dimensions 36.5 mm wide × 37.5 mm high × 41.5 mm deep. The block stacks directly onto SIRIUS contactor relays (3RH1 base devices) and power contactors. Screw terminals are accessible with a standard Pozidriv No. 2 bit; strip length 8 mm for solid or ferruled stranded conductors. The 1 NO + 3 NC arrangement per EN 50011 (53 E) gives three breaks for safety-circuit isolation and one make for a feedback signal.