What this AS-i compact starter does on the line
The Siemens 3RK1322-0CS02-0AA4 is an AS-interface compact direct starter — a self-contained motor start-and-protect package for small AC motors out on the machine, not back in the panel. It's an electromechanical DOL starter with a bimetal overload relay, a setting range of 0.18…0.25 A, and an AC-3 motor rating of 0.06 kW at 400 V. The IP65 enclosure means it lives right at the motor, on the machine frame, where it sees washdown, dust, and splatter — no separate enclosure needed. It communicates over AS-interface (the flat yellow cable, not PROFIBUS), and carries two integrated inputs for limit switches or sensors right at the starter.
The 0.18…0.25 A setting range is narrow — this starter is sized for a specific small motor, not a range of loads. The AC-3 rating of 0.06 kW at 400 V is the motor power it can start and stop under full load (squirrel-cage induction motor, starting current about 6–8× FLA). If your motor draws more than 0.25 A, this starter won't hold the overload setting. Good for installations with high available fault current. Ambient temperature range is -25 … +55 °C during operation, which covers most factory-floor conditions but not foundry or freezer extremes.
This starter mounts directly on the machine frame or a mounting plate via its 270 mm height × 120 mm width × 190 mm depth footprint. Main power connects through tab terminals (fast-on connectors), not screw terminals — so wiring is quick but requires the correct female tab receptacles. The motor outgoing feeder is a 9-pole connector; the power connection is also 9-pole. That's a lot of pins for a small motor starter — the extra poles handle the AS-i bus, the two inputs, and the brake output. Because it's IP65, you don't need a separate panel or enclosure at the motor. The AS-interface cable runs directly to the starter's bus connection. The two integrated inputs can take dry contacts from proximity sensors or pushbuttons without an extra I/O block.