What this part is and where it lands
The Siemens 3RK1322-1ES02-0AA0 is an AS-interface compact direct starter (DOL) in an IP65-rated enclosure, designed for decentralized motor control right at the machine — no separate control cabinet needed. It's an electromechanical switching contactor with bimetal motor protection, rated for AC-3 duty at 1.5 kW on a 400 V three-phase line. The setting range of 2.8 to 4 A means it's sized for small motors — pumps, fans, small conveyors — where you want the motor protection and switching integrated into one field-mounted package. IP65 means the enclosure and all connections withstand direct hose-down and dust ingress — this starter mounts directly on the machine frame in washdown zones, not inside a panel. The operating temperature range of -25 to +55 °C covers unheated plant environments and outdoor installation under a roof.
What the ratings mean for fit
The headline rating is the AC-3 motor switching capacity: 1.5 kW at 400 V. That's the real-world number for sizing — it's the maximum induction motor load this starter can switch under full-load running conditions. Don't oversize it: the 2.8 to 4 A bimetal setting range is the motor FLA window, and the part is optimized for that band. If your motor draws 2.5 A or 4.5 A full-load, this isn't the right setting range. The short-circuit breaking capacity (Icu) of 50,000 A at 400 V is the fault current this starter can safely interrupt without catastrophic failure. That's a high SCCR for a compact field device — it means you can install it downstream of a distribution board with a high available fault current without needing an upstream current-limiting fuse for coordination. For selectivity, verify that the upstream protective device's let-through energy stays within the starter's withstand rating. AS-interface protocol onboard means this starter communicates directly on the AS-i bus network — no gateway module needed for basic I/O. It carries two integrated inputs, so you can wire limit switches or pushbuttons directly into the starter without a separate I/O block. No PROFIBUS DP on this variant, so if your plant backbone is PROFIBUS, you'll need an AS-i gateway to bridge the networks.
Integration notes for the panel or machine
Physical footprint: 120 mm wide, 190 mm deep, 270 mm tall. The main circuit connects via tab terminals — expect blade-type quick-connects, not screw clamps. The motor outgoing feeder and power connection are both 9-pole, so plan your cable assembly for a 9-pin circular or rectangular connector at the machine interface. No motor brake output on this variant — if your application needs a holding brake, you'll need a different order code. Mounts directly to the machine frame or a mounting plate via the IP65 enclosure's fixing points. No DIN rail — this is a field-mounted device. The -25 to +55 °C operating range and IP65 rating mean it's ready for washdown environments, but keep the cable glands oriented downward to prevent water pooling at the entry point.