What the ratings mean for fit
The 3RT2016-2AD02: The Size S00 frame (70 mm high, 73 mm deep) is the smallest in the SIRIUS contactor family, so it fits in tight panel layouts where every millimeter counts. The 45 mm width matches the standard single-module footprint on a DIN rail, letting you pack more contactors per meter of rail. Spring-type terminals on the coil accept solid or stranded conductors from 0.5 to 4 mm², and up to 2x (0.5 to 4 mm²) per clamp. That covers standard control wiring sizes used in motor starter circuits — no special lugs or ferrules needed, though ferruled stranded wire seats best in the spring cage. The contactor carries switching frequency ratings per duty class: up to 1,000 cycles per hour for AC-1 (resistive loads), 750 cycles/h for AC-2 and AC-3 (slip-ring and squirrel-cage motors), and 250 cycles/h for AC-4 (plugging/reversing). At AC-3e the same 750 cycles/h applies. These numbers govern thermal rise in the enclosure — if your application cycles a motor every 5 seconds, you need to check the AC-3 limit (750/h = one cycle every 4.8 seconds minimum). Auxiliary contacts are present (the contactor includes an auxiliary switch), rated for switching at various voltages: 10 A at 24 V, 3 A at 400 V, and 1 hp at 230 V. That means it can directly switch a small pilot lamp or PLC input at 24 V, or a contactor coil at 400 V, without needing an interposing relay. The operating temperature range is -25 to +60 °C, with storage from -55 to +80 °C. Clearance distances: 10 mm upward, 10 mm forward, 10 mm downward, and 6 mm to the side. These are the minimum air gaps to other live parts or grounded metal — critical when laying out the DIN rail to avoid arc flash or tracking between phases. Mounting position is flexible: ±180° rotation on a vertical surface, and tilt forward/backward by ±22.5°. That helps when the contactor sits on a hinged panel door or a slanted sub-panel.