What this part is and what it does
The Siemens 3RT1015-2JB41 is a SIRIUS power contactor in frame size S00, rated for 24 VDC coil control with an integrated diode surge suppressor. It switches motor loads up to 3 kW in AC-2 duty at 400 V and handles 6.5 A in AC-4 reversing or plugging service at the same voltage. The main and auxiliary circuits terminate through spring-loaded terminals, accepting 2x (0.25... 2.5 mm²) solid or stranded wire or 2x (24... 14 AWG). The contactor mounts on a 35 mm DIN rail per DIN EN 50022 using either screw or snap-on fastening. Side-by-side mounting is permitted, which means the 45 mm width per pole stacks cleanly in a multi-contactor group without forced spacing. The enclosure carries IP20 on the front and at the terminals, suitable for enclosed panel environments where no washdown or dust ingress protection is needed.
Key ratings and what they mean for fit
The 24 VDC coil draws 2.3 W during both pick-up and hold, so the control transformer or PLC output must supply that continuous load per contactor. The integrated diode suppresses the inductive kickback on coil de-energization, which protects nearby electronics and simplifies panel wiring — no external flyback diode needed across the coil terminals. For motor switching, the AC-2 rating at 400 V (3 kW) covers wound-rotor or slip-ring motor applications where moderate inrush is expected. The AC-4 rating at 400 V (6.5 A) applies to reversing, inching, or plugging duty where the contactor makes and breaks stalled-rotor current. These are the ratings that govern real motor life, not the thermal current alone. Type 1 and Type 2 coordination fuse requirements are specified: 35 A gL/gG for Type 1, 20 A gL/gG for Type 2. This means the contactor withstands fault current up to those fuse let-through levels without welding or fire risk, which is critical for meeting IEC 60947-4-1 short-circuit coordination in a panel schedule. The operating temperature range is -25 to +60 °C, with pollution degree 3 rated. This suits it for industrial control panels in factory-floor environments where conductive dust or condensation may be present, but not for outdoor or washdown zones without a higher-rated enclosure.
Where this class of part is used
Power contactors of this size (S00) are the standard building block for controlling three-phase motors up to about 4 kW, resistive heating loads, and capacitor banks in industrial control panels. The 3RT1015-2JB41 fits into motor control centers, conveyor drives, pump panels, and HVAC equipment where a 24 VDC control voltage is already available from a PLC or safety relay.
Lifecycle and sourcing reality
For compliance documentation, the part carries a substance prohibitance date of 01.07.2006, aligning with RoHS and REACH substance restrictions. The IEC 81346-2 reference code Q confirms its function as a switching device for power circuits, which is relevant for panel documentation and traceability audits.