What It Is and Where It Fits
The Siemens 3RT1016-2BG41 is a SIRIUS power contactor in the compact S00 frame size, designed for switching motor loads in control panels. It mounts via screw or snap-on onto a 35 mm DIN rail per EN 50022, so it integrates directly into a standard panel layout without adapter plates.
Key Ratings and What They Mean for Your Load
The AC-2 rating at 400 V is 4 kW — this is the duty cycle for slip-ring motors or wound-rotor applications where the contactor makes and breaks under load but not at locked-rotor current. For AC-3 (squirrel-cage motor starting), the power rating is 4.5 kW at 500 V and 5.5 kW at 690 V, which covers a 7.5 hp motor on a 480 V system. The AC-4 inching/plugging rating is 8.5 A at 400 V, so if your application does frequent reversing or jogging, that's the current limit per operation. The maximum operating current in AC-12 (resistive load) is 10 A, which is the ceiling for general-purpose switching of heaters or lighting banks. The main circuit uses spring-loaded terminals accepting 2x (0.25... 2.5 mm²) solid or stranded, or 2x (24... 14) AWG — no screw torque to verify, which saves time on the wireman's side.
Coil and Control Circuit Details
The magnet coil draws 3.3 W for both closing and holding at DC, so the thermal load on the control transformer is constant — no inrush spike to size for. The auxiliary contact block has one instantaneous contact (NO or NC depending on variant). Pollution degree 3 means it's rated for conductive pollution typical in industrial enclosures; the front face carries IP20, so finger-safe once wired.
Coordination and Protection
For Type 2 coordination (no damage to the contactor after a short circuit), the required upstream fuse is gL/gG 20 A. Type 1 coordination (contactor may need replacement after fault) allows a 35 A gL/gG fuse. This matters when you're specifying the branch circuit protection for a motor starter combination.
Environmental and Mechanical Limits
Operating temperature range is -25 to +60 °C, with derating above 40 °C per the thermal curve. Maximum operating altitude is 2,000 m without derating. Mechanical service life is 30 million operations typical — that's the unloaded mechanical endurance; electrical life depends on the switching duty and load current. Side-by-side mounting is permitted with 6 mm spacing at the side, so you can pack contactors tightly on the rail.