What it is and where it fits
The Siemens 3RT1316-1AV00 is a SIRIUS power contactor in the compact S00 frame size, designed for switching motor loads in control panels. It carries 4 normally-open main contacts and is rated for 4 kW at AC-2 duty at 400 V, 50/60 Hz, which covers standard squirrel-cage motor starting and reversing applications up to that power level. Mounts via screw or snap-on onto 35 mm DIN rail per EN 50022, with a 45 mm width that slots into a standard 45 mm panel pitch. Side-by-side mounting is supported with 6 mm clearance to adjacent devices, so it packs tight in a multi-contactor row. The main circuit uses screw-type terminals accepting 2x (0.5 to 1.5 mm²), 2x (0.75 to 2.5 mm²), or max 2x (0.75 to 4 mm²) solid/stranded, or AWG equivalents 2x (20–16), 2x (18–14), 1x 12. That range covers typical panel wiring from control to power circuits.
Key ratings and what they mean for selection
The AC-2 rating of 4 kW at 400 V is the motor-switching figure that governs real use — it handles wound-rotor or slip-ring motor loads up to that power. For resistive or general-purpose loads, the AC-12 operating current max of 10 A applies. The contactor also carries voltage-dependent current ratings: 10 A at 24 V, 6 A at 230 V, 3 A at 400 V, reflecting the interrupting capability at different control voltages. Mechanical service life is 30 million operations typical. Operating temperature range is -25 to +60 °C. Maximum operating altitude is 2,000 m. For short-circuit coordination, the contactor requires a gL/gG fuse: 20 A for Type 2 coordination (no damage to the contactor), or 35 A for Type 1 coordination (contactor may need replacement after a fault). This is a key spec for panel designers sizing upstream protection.
Lifecycle and sourcing reality
The front and terminal sides carry IP20 finger-protection rating, meaning it is safe for installation in an IP54 or higher enclosure where the contactor itself is not directly exposed to washdown or dust ingress.