What it is and what it does
The Siemens 3RT1015-2WB42 is a SIRIUS power contactor in the size S00 frame, designed for switching motor loads and resistive loads in industrial control panels. It mounts on a 35 mm DIN rail per DIN EN 50022, using either screw or snap-on mounting. The main circuit uses spring-loaded terminals, accepting 2x (0.25 to 2.5 mm²) solid or stranded wire, or 2x (24 to 14 AWG). The coil is 24 VDC, with a closing and holding power of 1.4 W DC. A built-in varistor provides surge suppression across the coil. Rated operational power is 3.5 kW at 500 V and 4 kW at 690 V, with a maximum operating current of 10 A for AC-12 duty. For motor switching, the AC-3 rating is the key figure: 6 A at 230 V, 3 A at 400 V. The AC-4 rating at 400 V is 6.5 A for reversing or inching applications.
What the ratings mean for your panel
The S00 frame size (45 mm wide, 60 mm high, 73 mm deep) fits standard 45 mm-wide contactor slots on a DIN rail. Side-by-side mounting is allowed with 6 mm spacing to adjacent devices for heat dissipation. IP20 on the front and terminals means it is protected against finger contact but not moisture — suitable for enclosed panels only, not washdown or outdoor exposure. Pollution degree 3 (conductive or dry non-conductive pollution) is the standard for industrial control environments. For short-circuit coordination, Type 2 (no damage to the contactor) requires a gL/gG fuse rated 20 A. Type 1 (contactor may need replacement) allows a 35 A gL/gG fuse. The mechanical life is 30 million operations, so it is rated for high-cycle applications like conveyors or packaging lines. Operating temperature range is -25 to +60 °C, with a maximum operating altitude of 2 000 m. Pick-up voltage is 0.85 x rated and drop-out is 1.85 x rated.