The Siemens SIRIUS 3RT2036-1AP00-1AA0 is a Size S2 power contactor rated 52 A at 480 V in AC-3 duty — the motor-switching current that governs real load selection, not the higher resistive (AC-1) figure. That 52 A at 480 V means it handles a motor load up to about 30 hp at 480 V three-phase, which is the typical sizing point for a moderate conveyor or pump drive in a 480 V plant. The screw-type coil terminals accept 2x (0.5 to 1.5 mm²) solid or stranded, or 2x (0.75 to 2.5 mm²) — standard panel wire sizes for a contactor of this frame. An auxiliary switch is built in (18 to 1 contact configuration for main contacts), so you get one N/O or N/C auxiliary without adding a separate block.
Duty-cycle and operating limits
Switching rates differ by duty: AC-1 (resistive) allows 1,000 operations per hour, AC-3 (motor start/run) allows 800/h, and AC-4 (plugging/inching) drops to 250/h. The arcing time runs 10 to 20 ms; the closing time is 10 to 18 ms. That keeps heat dissipation and arc flash clearance within spec for a panel layout.
