What it is and what it does
The Siemens SIRIUS 3RT1015-2AP01 is a size S00 power contactor rated for switching motor loads in control panels. It handles 3 kW at 400 V in AC-2 duty (slip-ring motors, reversing starts) and 6.5 A at 400 V in AC-4 duty (plugging, inching). The 45 mm wide body snaps onto a 35 mm DIN rail per EN 50022 — standard panel integration.
Key ratings and what they mean for fit
The AC-2 rating of 3 kW at 400 V is the one that governs most motor-switching applications — it tells you the contactor can handle the rated current of a 3 kW induction motor under normal starting and running. The AC-4 rating of 6.5 A at 400 V covers the higher stress of reversing or jogging duty, where the contacts break full-load current more often. For resistive loads (AC-12), it carries up to 10 A. The spring-loaded terminals on the main circuit accept 2x (0.25 to 2.5 mm²) solid or stranded wire — no screw torque to check, just strip to 8 mm and push in. Type 2 coordination (no-weld) requires a 20 A gL/gG fuse upstream; Type 1 coordination allows a 35 A fuse. Pollution degree 3 means it's rated for the conductive-dust environment inside a typical industrial enclosure. The IP20 finger-safe front and terminal protection is standard for panel-mount gear — no washdown rating here, this lives inside a cabinet.
Mounting and integration
Snaps onto 35 mm DIN rail per EN 50022, or screws directly to a backplate. Side-by-side mounting is allowed with 6 mm clearance to adjacent devices for heat dissipation. The S00 frame keeps it compact at 45 x 60 x 73 mm (W x H x D). Operating temperature range is -25 to +60 °C, so it handles warm cabinet interiors without derating up to that ceiling.