The 3RT2017-2JB42: It carries a 24 VDC coil and terminates through spring-type terminals, so no screwdriver is needed for the coil wiring.
Switching capacity and what the DC ratings mean
The 24 VDC coil pulls in at 0.7 of rated voltage (about 16.8 V) and holds reliably across the full operating range of -25°C to +60°C ambient. For AC motor duty, it is rated 2 hp at 230 V, which puts it in the light-duty auxiliary contactor class — not for direct motor starting of anything above a fractional-horsepower pump or fan, but fine for interposing relays, coupling transformer primaries, or signal-level switching in a control scheme.
Mechanical endurance and switching frequency limits
The arcing time runs 10-15 ms, and the DC dropout delay is 38-65 ms — fast enough for most PLC-driven sequences but worth checking if your cycle time is under 100 ms.
Panel fit and wiring details
Clearance around the contactor matters for heat rise: 10 mm above and below, 10 mm forward, and 6 mm to the sides. In a densely packed panel, those gaps add up — budget at least 57 mm of rail width per unit (45 mm body + 6 mm each side) and 90 mm of vertical space (70 mm body + 10 mm each end).