What it is and what it does
The Siemens SIRIUS 3RT1017-1AP04-3MA0 is a size S00 power contactor with screw-type terminals for both the main and auxiliary/control circuits. It is rated for 5.5 kW at 400 V in AC-2 duty (slip-ring motor starting) and 8.5 A at 400 V in AC-4 duty (plugging/reversing/inching). The contactor also carries a 10 A rating at 24 V for resistive or general-purpose loads (AC-12).
Mounting and integration
Mounts via screw and snap-on onto a 35 mm DIN rail per EN 50022. The 45 mm width and 57.5 mm height fit standard S00 panel layouts; side-by-side mounting is supported, so you can gang multiple contactors without extra spacing. Depth is 111 mm, which matters when the panel door or gland plate is tight.
Ratings and what they mean for the buyer
The AC-2 rating of 5.5 kW at 400 V tells you this contactor is sized for slip-ring motor loads where starting current is moderate. The AC-4 rating of 8.5 A at 400 V is the more demanding duty — plugging, reversing, or inching — and that 8.5 A figure is the one to watch for high-cycle applications. For resistive or lightly inductive loads, the AC-12 rating of 10 A at 24 V is the limit. The operating range is 0.8 to 1.1 times rated voltage at 50 Hz, and 0.85 to 1.1 at 60 Hz, so it holds in on a sagging line.
Terminal and wiring detail
Main circuit terminals accept solid wire: 2x (0.5 to 1.5 mm²), 2x (0.75 to 2.5 mm²), or max 2x (0.75 to 4 mm²). AWG equivalents for main contacts are 2x (20 to 16), 2x (18 to 14), or 1x 12. Auxiliary contacts use the same AWG range. Both main and control circuits use screw-type terminals — no spring-cage here. The front and terminal areas are rated IP20, so the contactor is protected against finger contact but not against moisture ingress.
Coordination and protection
For Type 2 coordination (no damage to the contactor under short circuit), use a gL/gG fuse rated 20 A. For Type 1 coordination (contactor may need replacement after fault), use a 35 A gL/gG fuse. The contactor is rated for pollution degree 3, meaning it is suited for industrial environments with conductive or dry non-conductive pollution.
Environmental and life data
Operating ambient temperature range is -25 to +60 °C. Mechanical life is typical 30 million operations — that is the mechanical endurance, not the electrical life under load. Electrical life will be lower and depends on the switching duty (AC-2 vs AC-4 vs AC-12).