What it is and what it does
The Siemens SIRIUS 3RT1016-2VB41 is a power contactor in the compact S00 frame size, designed for switching motor loads in industrial control panels. It carries a 24 V DC coil with an integrated diode surge suppressor, so the coil drive circuit needs only a simple DC supply — no external flyback diode required across the coil terminals. Rated for AC-3 duty at 5.5 kW on a 690 V three-phase supply, it handles the most common European motor voltages up to that level. The AC-4 rating of 8.5 A at 400 V covers reversing or inching applications where the contactor makes and breaks the motor at full load. The spring-loaded terminals on the main circuit accept 2x (0.25 to 2.5 mm²) solid or stranded wire, or 2x (24 to 14 AWG), which matches standard panel wiring practice for a contactor of this frame size.
Mounting and integration
Mounts via screw or snap-on onto a 35 mm DIN rail per EN 50022, which is the standard for panel builders. The 45 mm width and 73 mm depth fit neatly into a 45 mm-wide DIN slot, leaving room for adjacent devices. Side-by-side mounting is permitted, but a 6 mm clearance to adjacent equipment is recommended for thermal derating in continuous duty. IP20 protection on the front and at the terminals means it is touch-safe for the panel interior but not rated for washdown or outdoor exposure — standard for a panel-mounted contactor. Pollution degree 3 rating confirms it is suitable for industrial environments with conductive pollution, typical of control cabinets near production floors.
Coil and control circuit
The 24 V DC coil picks up at 85% of rated voltage (20.4 V) and holds at 1.4 W, both closing and holding. The built-in diode surge suppressor eliminates the need for external coil suppression, simplifying wiring and reducing panel clutter. One instantaneous auxiliary contact is included, configurable as normally open or normally closed depending on wiring. This is enough for a feedback signal to a PLC or a status lamp, but for more aux contacts an add-on block is needed.
Protection and coordination
For Type 2 coordination (no damage to the contactor under short circuit), use a gL/gG fuse rated at 20 A. For Type 1 coordination (contactor may need replacement after a fault), a 35 A gL/gG fuse is permitted. These values let the panel designer size the upstream protection without guesswork. Operating temperature range of -25 to +60 °C covers most indoor panel environments, including unheated warehouses. Maximum installation altitude is 2 000 m without derating.