What it is and what it does
The Siemens SIRIUS 3RT1034-1XF00-0GA0 is a size S2 power contactor designed for switching motor loads in industrial control panels. It mounts on a 35 mm DIN rail per EN 50022, with a screw-and-snap-on fastening method that integrates into standard panel layouts. Rated for AC-2 duty at 15 kW at 400 V, this contactor handles slip-ring motor starting and reversing applications where the load current stays below the make/break rating. The AC-4 rating at 400 V is 29 A, covering inching and plugging duty cycles. For higher-voltage motor circuits, it carries 18.5 kW at 500 V and 10 kW at 690 V, giving flexibility across common European and North American supply voltages.
Key ratings and what they mean for fit
The AC-2 rating at 400 V (15 kW) is the headline motor-switching figure — it governs the contactor's ability to handle the starting current of wound-rotor motors without excessive contact wear. The AC-4 rating (29 A at 400 V) is the limit for frequent reversing or jogging; exceeding it shortens electrical life. Mechanical life is typical 10 million operations, while the maximum switching frequency varies by duty: 1200 cycles/hour at AC-1 (resistive), 1000 at AC-3 (squirrel-cage starting), 750 at AC-2, and 250 at AC-4. These numbers set the cycle budget for a given application — a conveyor with frequent starts needs the AC-3 or AC-4 rate. The front face carries an IP20 rating, meaning finger-safe when installed in an enclosure; the terminal area is IP00, so live parts are exposed and require panel protection. Operating temperature spans -25 to +60 °C, storage from -55 to +80 °C — suitable for unheated plant floors.
Termination and wiring
Main current circuit uses screw-type terminals. Solid wire accepts 2x (0.5 to 1.5 mm²), 2x (0.75 to 2.5 mm²), and max 2x (0.75 to 4 mm²). Stranded wire handles 2x (0.75 to 25 mm²), and solid-or-stranded takes 2x (0.75 to 16 mm²). This covers most panel wiring from control to power feeds. Side-by-side mounting is permitted, which simplifies multi-contactor assemblies in tight enclosures without derating — check the thermal spacing guidelines for full load.