What it is and what it does
The Siemens 3RT1016-1AV01-ZX95 is a SIRIUS power contactor in the compact Size S00 frame, designed for switching motor loads in control panels. It mounts via screw or snap-on onto 35 mm DIN rail per DIN EN 50022, with a 45 mm width and 72 mm depth that fits standard panel layouts. Rated for AC-4 duty at 8.5 A and 4 kW at 400 V, and 5.5 kW at 690 V, this contactor handles reversing or inching applications where the motor is switched under load. The AC-4 rating is the one that governs real use for plugging or jogging — the 10 A AC-12 maximum is for resistive loads only.
Key ratings and what they mean for fit
The AC-4 rated current of 8.5 A at 400 V is the figure to match against your motor's locked-rotor current during reversing cycles. For straight starting (AC-3), the contactor is rated 4.5 kW at 500 V and 5.5 kW at 690 V — per the datasheet, these are the motor power limits for normal across-the-line starts. Type 1 coordination requires a 35 A gL/gG fuse; Type 2 coordination requires a 20 A gL/gG fuse. The difference governs whether the contactor survives a short-circuit fault without welding — Type 2 keeps it reusable, Type 1 may require replacement. Select the fuse per your panel's selectivity study. Operating temperature range is -25 to +60 °C, with pollution degree 3 (conductive pollution typical in industrial enclosures). The IP20 finger-safe front and terminal covers mean the contactor is protected against solid objects larger than 12 mm — standard for enclosed panels, not for open washdown areas.
Termination and wiring
Main circuit terminals are screw-type, accepting 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 conductors. AWG equivalents are 2x (20 to 16), 2x (18 to 14), and 1x 12. Strip length and torque values per the terminal marking — the screw clamp needs a proper screwdriver, not a Pozidriv. One normally open auxiliary contact is built in (instantaneous contact). For additional auxiliaries, the Size S00 frame accepts side-mounting blocks — the 6 mm side clearance per the spec allows stacking without derating.
Lifecycle and sourcing reality
The 3RT1016-1AV01-ZX95 carries the -ZX95 suffix, which typically indicates a special version or customer-specific variant. Verify that the -ZX95 marking matches your panel's approved parts list before committing the line — a standard 3RT1016-2AP02 may be a drop-in alternative if the special marking is not required.