SIRIUS S2 power contactor — what the ratings tell a buyer
The Siemens SIRIUS 3RT1036-1AV00 is a size S2 power contactor with screw-type terminals, rated 22 kW at 400 V in AC-2 duty — the category that covers slip-ring motor starting and reversing, where contactor life is governed by making and breaking at reduced current. For AC-4 duty (plugging, inching, reversing on the fly) it carries 41 A at 400 V, which is the rating that limits its use in high-cycle reversing applications. The 30 kW at 500 V and 11.4 kW at 690 V ratings expand its reach into 500 V and 690 V distribution systems, though the 690 V figure is derated relative to the 400 V AC-2 rating. Rated operational current for the main circuit is not stated, but the AC-4 current of 41 A at 400 V is the highest switching current on record. The contactor mounts on 35 mm DIN rail per EN 50022, with screw and snap-on fastening, and is IP20 on the front, IP00 at the terminals — so it is protected against finger contact on the front but the wiring area is open, requiring enclosure-level protection when installed. The operating temperature range is -25 to +60 °C, with storage from -55 to +80 °C.
Wiring and panel integration
The main current circuit uses screw-type terminals. Stranded wire capacity is 2x (0.75... 25 mm²); solid wire accepts 2x (0.5... 1.5 mm²), 2x (0.75... 2.5 mm²), and max 2x (0.75... 4 mm²). The minimum permissible cross-section at 40 °C is 16 mm² — that is the smallest conductor size allowed for full rated current without derating. Dimensions are 55 mm wide, 112 mm high, 115 mm deep, so it occupies a standard 55 mm DIN-rail space (three modules wide on a 18 mm pitch). Side-by-side mounting is permitted, which saves panel width when grouping multiple contactors.
Switching performance and coil data
Arcing time is 10 to 15 ms; the AC operating time (closing) is 7 to 20 ms. The rated frequency is 50 Hz, with an operating range of 0.8 to 1.1 times nominal. Coil data is given for DC control: at 24 V the coil draws 10 A (likely inrush), at 60 V it draws 2 A, at 110 V 1 A, at 220 V 0.3 A. For AC control at 230 V it draws 6 A, at 400 V 3 A. These are the coil inrush or holding currents, not the main circuit current. Mechanical life is 10 million operations typical. Maximum switching rates: AC-1 1000 cycles/h, AC-2 400 cycles/h, AC-3 800 cycles/h, AC-4 300 cycles/h.