What it is and what it does
The Siemens 3RT1046-1AV60-0UA0 is a SIRIUS power contactor in size S3, built for switching motor loads and resistive loads in industrial control panels. It carries a 55 kW rating at 500 V, which tells you the motor power it can handle under typical AC-3 duty — the common category for squirrel-cage motors during starting and running. For heavier switching like reversing or inching (AC-4), it is rated 80 A at 400 V, and for AC-2 applications like slip-ring motors, it delivers 45 kW at 400 V. These are the ratings that govern real-world fit, not a single headline number. The contactor mounts via screw and snap-on onto 35 mm and 75 mm standard mounting rail, so it integrates directly into a DIN-rail panel layout. Side-by-side mounting is supported, which helps when you need to pack multiple contactors in a row without extra spacing. The IP20 rating on the front with the cover or box terminal means it is protected against finger contact in a closed panel — standard for control cabinet use.
Termination and wiring
The main current circuit uses screw-type terminals. For solid conductors, it accepts 2x (0.5... 1.5 mm²), 2x (0.75... 2.5 mm²), and up to 2x (0.75... 4 mm²). For stranded conductors, it takes 2x (10... 50 mm²). The auxiliary circuit accepts 2x (2.5... 16 mm²) solid or stranded. This range covers typical motor feeder cables up to 50 mm² stranded, so you can land a 35 mm² or 50 mm² supply cable directly without adapters.
Compliance and approvals
RoHS compliance date is 05/01/2012, so it meets the EU restriction on hazardous substances. The degree of pollution 3 rating aligns with IEC 60947-1 requirements for industrial control gear. No UL or CSA listing is explicitly stated in the evidence, so verify with your local Siemens documentation if your panel requires those marks.