What it is and what it does
The Siemens 3RT2036-1CK64-3MA0 is a SIRIUS S2-frame power contactor, the core switching element for motor loads in a control panel. It carries a 52 A AC-3 rating at 480 V — that's the motor-switching current for a standard three-phase induction motor, so it handles starting and running current for motors up to that load. At 230 V it's rated for 10 hp, a common single-phase or small three-phase motor size. The contactor has 3 main contacts (normally open, 3-pole configuration) and no built-in auxiliary contacts — the order code suffix indicates a specific coil variant and accessory set. The coil termination is screw-type, accepting 2x (0.5 to 1.5 mm²) or 2x (0.75 to 2.5 mm²) solid or stranded wire.
Panel fit and mounting
Mounts via screw and snap-on onto 35 mm DIN rail per DIN EN 60715. The S2 frame footprint is 55 mm wide, 114 mm tall, 174 mm deep — a compact envelope for a 52 A motor-rated contactor. Clearance requirements: 10 mm upwards, forwards, and downwards; 6 mm at the sides for arc venting and airflow. Mounting position is flexible: +/-180° rotation on a vertical surface, and can be tilted forward/backward by +/-22.5° on a vertical surface. Operating temperature range is -25 to +60 °C; storage range is -55 to +80 °C. The storage limit governs handling and transport, not running conditions.
Switching performance and life
Mechanical service life is typical 10 million operations. Maximum switching frequency depends on duty: 1,000 cycles/hour at AC-1 (resistive), 800 at AC-3 (motor start/run), 600 at AC-2 (slip-ring motor), 250 at AC-4 (plugging/inching). The AC-3e rating also allows 800 cycles/hour. Operating time (coil energization to main contact closure) is 10 to 18 ms; arcing time is 10 to 20 ms.