What it is and what it does
The Siemens 3RT1024-1AG24-ZW96 is a SIRIUS power contactor in the S0 frame size, designed for switching motor loads in control panels. It mounts on a 35 mm DIN rail per DIN EN 50022, using either screw or snap-on fixing, and occupies 45 mm of panel width. Rated for AC-2 duty at 400 V, it handles 5.5 kW — that is the slip-ring motor switching category, where the contactor makes and breaks the load at reduced inrush. For AC-4 duty (plugging / inching) at 400 V, the rated operational current is 12.5 A. The coil pulls 24 VDC nominal; the operating range holds between 0.8 and 1.1 times rated voltage at 50 Hz, and 0.85 to 1.1 at 60 Hz. Auxiliary contact ratings: 10 A at 24 V, 6 A at 230 V, 3 A at 400 V, 0.3 A at 220 V — these govern what the built-in auxiliary can switch for PLC inputs or pilot lights without an add-on block.
Where it goes and how it fits
The S0 frame is a common panel footprint. Depth is 140 mm, height 85 mm. Side-by-side mounting is allowed — no derating gap needed between units, which saves rail space in dense panels. The front face carries IP20 protection; the terminal area is IP00, so keep live parts behind a panel door or cover. Main circuit terminals are screw-type, accepting solid conductors up to 2x 10 mm² or stranded up to 2x 6 mm². Auxiliary terminals take 2x (0.5 to 1.5 mm²) solid or 2x (0.75 to 2.5 mm²) stranded. For AWG, main contacts handle 2x (16 to 12) solid and 2x (14 to 10) stranded. Strip lengths and ferrule sizes are per the terminal marking — no special tooling needed beyond a standard screwdriver.
Protection coordination and environment
Type 2 coordination (no damage to the contactor under short circuit) requires a gL/gG fuse rated 25 A. Type 1 coordination (contactor may need replacement after a fault) allows a 63 A fuse. Operating temperature range is -25 to +60 °C, with a maximum altitude of 2000 m. Pollution degree 3 means it's suited for industrial atmospheres with conductive pollution — typical for control panels near machine tools or conveyors.