What it is and what it does
The Siemens 3RT1016-1AK61-ZW97 is a SIRIUS power contactor in frame size S00, designed for switching motor loads in industrial control panels. It mounts via screw or snap-on onto a 35 mm DIN rail per EN 50022, and its 45 mm width means it occupies a single 45 mm slot in a standard panel layout. For AC-3 motor duty, it handles 4.5 kW at 500 V and 5.5 kW at 690 V. The AC-4 reversing/inching rating is 8.5 A at 400 V, which is the figure that governs frequent jogging or plugging applications — the AC-3 number is higher but the AC-4 limit is what you size for when the contactor sees inrush on every cycle. The contactor is rated for pollution degree 3, meaning it's suitable for the typical industrial environment where conductive dust or condensation may occur. Operating temperature range is -25 to +60 °C, and it can be mounted side-by-side without derating.
Sourcing and lifecycle reality
The -ZW97 suffix indicates a special version. Verify with your Siemens contact whether this suffix carries any particular marking or packaging difference from the base 3RT1016-1AK61.
Integration notes for the panel builder
Dimensions are 45 mm wide, 57.5 mm high, 72 mm deep. The depth matters for gland-plate clearance if you're mounting it near the back of a shallow enclosure — 72 mm plus wiring space means you need at least 100 mm from the DIN rail to the back wall. Screw-type terminals on the main circuit accept 2x (0.5 to 1.5 mm²), 2x (0.75 to 2.5 mm²), or max 2x (0.75 to 4 mm²) solid or stranded. For AWG, that's 2x (20 to 16), 2x (18 to 14), or 1x 12. The auxiliary contact block (1 N/O instantaneous) uses the same terminal range. Front face is IP20, terminals are IP20 — standard for enclosed panel use. No washdown rating, so keep it inside the cabinet. For fuse coordination, Type 2 (no damage) requires a 20 A gL/gG fuse; Type 1 (allow damage) allows up to 35 A gL/gG.
How it compares to the 3RT1016-2AP02
The 3RT1016-2AP02 is the same S00 frame size and same AC-3 power ratings, but it uses spring-cage terminals instead of screw terminals. If your panel is wired with ferruled stranded conductors and you prefer tool-less insertion, the -2AP02 saves termination time. The -1AK61 with screw terminals is more forgiving for mixed conductor sizes and field retrofits where the wire prep varies. Both mount on the same 45 mm DIN footprint — no panel layout change needed to swap between them.