What it is and what it does
The Siemens 3RT1023-1AR60 is a SIRIUS power contactor in the S0 frame size, designed for switching motor loads and resistive loads in industrial control panels. It mounts via screw and snap-on onto a 35 mm DIN rail per DIN EN 50022, fitting into a standard panel layout with a 45 mm width and 85 mm height, and a depth of 91 mm. Rated for 400 V at 50 Hz and 400 to 440 V at 60 Hz, this contactor delivers 4.5 kW at 500 V and 5.5 kW at 690 V. The 24 V DC coil draws 10 A, and the AC-4 rating at 400 V is 8.5 A — the value that governs switching of motor loads under inrush and plugging conditions, not the steady-state AC-1 figure. Operating temperature range is -25 to +60 °C, and pollution degree 3 means it tolerates conductive dust and humidity typical of industrial environments. Mechanical life is rated at 10,000,000 cycles, so it holds up in high-cycle applications like conveyor or pump control.
Coordination and wiring
For type 2 coordination (no damage to the contactor under short circuit), the required upstream fuse is gL/gG 25 A. For type 1 coordination (contactor may need replacement after fault), use gL/gG 63 A. Main circuit terminals accept screw-type connections: solid conductors 2x (0.5 to 1.5 mm²), 2x (0.75 to 2.5 mm²), max 2x (0.75 to 4 mm²); stranded conductors 2x (1 to 2.5 mm²), 2x (2.5 to 6 mm²), max 2x 10 mm². AWG equivalents are 2x (16 to 12), 2x (14 to 10), 1x 8.