What it is and what it does
The Siemens SIRIUS 3RT1016-2AP61 is a size S00 power contactor for switching three-phase motor loads in control panels. Rated for AC-3 duty at 4.5 kW at 500 V and 5.5 kW at 690 V, it handles standard squirrel-cage induction motors up to those power levels. For AC-2 slip-ring motor duty, it's rated 4 kW at 400 V. The AC-4 reversing duty rating is 8.5 A at 400 V, which matters when you need frequent plugging or inching.
Mounting and wiring
Mounts via screw or snap-on onto 35 mm DIN rail per EN 50022. The 45 mm wide footprint and 73 mm depth fit standard panel layouts. Side-by-side mounting is permitted with zero gap, so you can gang multiple contactors without derating for heat buildup. The main circuit uses spring-loaded terminals accepting 2x (0.25 to 2.5 mm²) solid or stranded wire, or 2x AWG 24 to 14. No screwdriver needed for the power connections — strip, push, done.
Environmental and protection
Rated pollution degree 3, meaning it's suitable for industrial atmospheres with conductive dust or condensation. IP20 on the front and terminals — finger-safe but not washdown-rated, so keep it inside the enclosure. Operating temperature range is -25 to +60 °C, which covers most plant-floor conditions. Maximum operating altitude is 2,000 m without derating.
Coordination and protection
For type 2 coordination (no damage to the contactor after a fault), use gL/gG fuses rated 20 A. For type 1 coordination (contactor may need replacement after fault), use 35 A gL/gG fuses. Mechanical endurance is typical 30 million operations, so this is a fast mover for high-cycle applications like conveyors or packaging lines.