What it is and what it does
The Siemens SIRIUS 3RT1024-1AK60-ZW97 is a Size S0 power contactor rated for motor switching at 7.5 kW on a 690 V AC-3 supply and the same power at 500 V — the voltage step doesn't change the motor power, but the current draw does, so the contactor's AC-3 thermal capacity is the binding limit. AC-4 reversing duty is rated at 12.5 A at 400 V, which covers plug-stop or inching applications on smaller motors. The contactor mounts via screw or snap-on onto a 35 mm DIN rail per EN 50022, fitting into a standard 45 mm-wide slot in the panel.
Coordination and protection
For Type 2 coordination (no damage to the contactor after a short-circuit), Siemens specifies a gL/gG fuse rated 25 A. For Type 1 coordination (contactor may need replacement but the circuit is cleared), the fuse can go up to 63 A. That's a wide window — the 25 A limit for Type 2 means the upstream protective device must be sized tightly if you want to avoid replacing the contactor after a fault. Pollution degree 3 (conductive pollution or dry non-conductive that becomes conductive due to condensation) is standard for industrial control panels, and the operating temperature range of -25 to +60 °C covers most enclosure environments without derating.
Terminals and wiring
Main circuit terminals are screw-type, accepting solid or stranded conductors: 2x (0.5 to 1.5 mm²), 2x (0.75 to 2.5 mm²), and up to 2x (0.75 to 4 mm²) for the auxiliary contacts. For the main contacts, the range goes to 2x (1 to 2.5 mm²), 2x (2.5 to 6 mm²), and max 2x 10 mm² — or AWG equivalents 2x (16 to 12), 2x (14 to 10), and 1x 8. The front of the contactor is IP20 (finger-safe), but the terminal area is IP00 — live parts are exposed, so the panel builder must account for safe clearance or a terminal cover.
Auxiliary contact ratings
The built-in auxiliary contact (1 NO + 1 NC, indicated by the ZW97 suffix) is rated for 10 A at 24 V, 6 A at 230 V, and 3 A at 400 V — the voltage derating is typical for AC loads. For DC switching, it handles 2 A at 60 V, 1 A at 110 V, and 0.3 A at 220 V. If your PLC output drives a 24 VDC coil, the 10 A rating gives plenty of margin for the inrush.