SIMATIC motor starter for distributed motor control
The Siemens 3RK1301-1GB00-0AA2 is a SIMATIC-branded direct motor starter designed for distributed motor control in industrial automation systems. It integrates motor protection, switching, and fieldbus communication into a single unit that mounts pluggably on a terminal module. The unit supports both PROFINET and PROFIBUS DP protocols, allowing direct integration into Siemens S7 and third-party control networks without a separate gateway.
Panel fit and mounting constraints
The module measures 45 mm wide, 120 mm deep, and 265 mm tall — the width matches a standard 45 mm DIN-rail footprint, but the 265 mm height demands vertical clearance above the rail. Mounting is via pluggable connection to a terminal module, not direct rail snap-on, so the base terminal block must be pre-installed. Vibration resistance is 2g and shock resistance is 5g for 11 ms — adequate for cabinet mounting in industrial environments but not for direct machine-mount without isolation. Pollution degree rating is 3 at 400 V and 2 at 500 V per IEC 60664 / IEC 61131, meaning the unit expects a conductive-pollution environment (typical in control cabinets without sealed enclosures) and is suitable for 400 V systems with proper clearance.
Electrical ratings and fault handling
The short-circuit breaking capacity is 50 kA at 400 V — this is the prospective fault current the device can safely interrupt. Power dissipation is 4.1184 W with the bypass circuit active and 4.118 W without — negligible for panel thermal budgeting but worth noting if multiple units are ganged in a sealed enclosure. Maximum operating frequency is 750 cycles per hour, limiting the starter to moderate-duty cycling applications. The direct starter design means no reversing capability — this unit provides forward-start and stop only. For reversing applications, a separate reversing starter or a different order code is required.
I/O and fieldbus integration
The module provides 1 byte of digital inputs and 1 byte of digital outputs — 8 input bits and 8 output bits. Inputs are assigned via the control module (not onboard), and the unit has 0 onboard digital I/O channels; all I/O comes through the fieldbus connection to the control module. PROFINET and PROFIBUS DP are both supported, giving flexibility for brownfield (PROFIBUS) and greenfield (PROFINET) installations. The fieldbus interface carries both I/O data and parameterization for the motor starter. No brake control is provided — neither 24 V DC nor 180 V DC brake outputs are available on this variant. If brake control is needed, a different motor starter module from the SIMATIC range must be selected.
Main power infeed uses screw-type terminals, while the control and fieldbus connections are through the pluggable terminal module. The pluggable design simplifies replacement — the terminal module stays wired, and the starter module swaps out without rewiring. For critical-spare planning, keeping one in the cabinet is prudent for 24 V DC distributed motor control lines using SIMATIC starters.