What it is and what it does
The Siemens 3RT2038-1AF00-ZX95 is a SIRIUS power contactor in the Size S2 frame. It switches motor and resistive loads in industrial control panels, with a main-contact rating of 65 A at 480 V — that's the AC-3 motor-switching current, so it handles a 3-phase motor drawing that full-load current without derating. Mounting is via screw or snap-on onto 35 mm DIN rail per DIN EN 60715, and the mounting position allows ±180° rotation on a vertical surface plus ±22.5° tilt forward/backward — useful when the panel layout forces an odd orientation.
Key ratings and what they mean for fit
The contactor's envelope is 114 mm high, 55 mm wide, and 130 mm deep — the depth is the dimension that sticks out from the DIN rail, so check your enclosure depth against that 130 mm plus wiring clearance. Mechanical life is typical 10,000,000 operations, and the coil is screw-type terminals. For auxiliary switching, the contactor includes an auxiliary switch (18...1 configuration for main contacts). Clearance distances: 10 mm upwards, forwards, and downwards; 6 mm at the side. That's the minimum air gap to adjacent metalwork or another contactor — factor it into your DIN-rail spacing.