What it is and what it does
The Siemens 3RT1016-1AL05 is a SIRIUS power contactor in the S00 frame size — the smallest footprint in the SIRIUS family, designed for switching motor loads and resistive loads in control panels. It carries three main poles rated for AC-3 duty at 5.5 kW at 690 V and 4.5 kW at 500 V, with a 24 VDC coil that pulls in reliably across the 0.8 to 1.1 times rated voltage range at 50 Hz and 0.85 to 1.1 at 60 Hz. The S00 frame means this contactor occupies 45 mm width on a DIN rail, with a depth of 114 mm and height of 57.5 mm — tight enough for dense panel layouts where every millimeter of rail space counts.
What the ratings mean for your panel
The 5.5 kW rating at 690 V is the AC-3 motor switching capability — that's the real-world number for sizing this contactor to a three-phase induction motor. At 400 V, the AC-3 rating drops to 3 A (about 1.5 kW), so don't assume the 690 V figure scales linearly; the contactor's thermal current rating and the duty cycle govern the actual load it can handle continuously. The mechanical life of 30 million operations is typical for a contactor this size, but the electrical life will be shorter under full-load switching — expect around 1 to 2 million operations at rated AC-3 current, depending on the switching frequency and the inrush current of the motor. The screw terminals accept wire from 0.5 to 4 mm² (solid or stranded), with AWG equivalents from 20 to 12. That covers most control wiring and small power feeds, but if you're running 6 mm² or larger, you'll need to step up to the next frame size. The IP20 rating on the front and terminals means it's finger-safe for panel installation — no special cover needed inside a locked enclosure. The 6 mm side clearance requirement is for heat dissipation when mounting multiple contactors side-by-side; if you pack them tight, derate the continuous current per the manufacturer's table. Pollution degree 3 means this contactor is rated for industrial environments with conductive pollution or dry non-conductive pollution that becomes conductive due to condensation — standard for most factory floor panels without climate control. The operating temperature range of -25 to +60 °C covers most indoor industrial conditions, but above 40 °C you'll need to derate the continuous current — the coil hold-in voltage also shifts with temperature, so verify the control voltage stays within the 0.8 to 1.1 range at the panel's ambient temperature.
Mounting and integration
Snap-on mounting onto 35 mm DIN rail per EN 50022 — no tools needed for installation, but a screwdriver helps if you need to lever it off. Side-by-side mounting is allowed, but maintain the 6 mm gap between contactors for airflow unless you're derating. The screw terminals are the standard for the main circuit; auxiliary contact blocks (like the 3RT1916 series) snap onto the front or side without additional wiring. The coil terminals are also screw type, so you'll need a small flathead or Pozidriv for termination. For type 1 coordination (no damage to the contactor under short circuit, but may need replacement), use a 35 A gL/gG fuse upstream. For type 2 coordination (contactor remains usable after a fault), use a 20 A gL/gG fuse. This is critical for panel builders specifying the correct branch circuit protection.