What it is and what the ratings mean for your panel
The Siemens 3RT2038-1AK60-Z W97 is a SIRIUS power contactor in size S2, rated for AC-3e and AC-3 duty at 80 A, switching 37 kW at 400 V. That AC-3 rating is the one that matters for motor loads — it tells you the contactor can handle the inrush of a squirrel-cage induction motor during starting and break the full-load current reliably. For a 37 kW motor at 400 V three-phase, this is the contactor sized to match. The coil is wound for 110 V AC at 50 Hz and 120 V AC at 60 Hz — a common dual-frequency coil that lets you use the same part across 50 Hz and 60 Hz supply regions without swapping coils. The auxiliary contacts come as one normally-open and one normally-closed, which is enough for basic feedback to a PLC or to seal in the contactor coil through a start button.
Sourcing and lifecycle — still in active production
This part is listed as current and active in production. No end-of-life notice or phase-out is on record. For a BOM line that needs this exact order code, the supply channel is the standard Siemens distribution — quoted to order against an RFQ. The multi-unit packaging (pack = 6 units, per the description) means if you're filling a panel with several of these, you'll get them in a single carton rather than six individual boxes.
Where it fits in the panel
Size S2 is the frame size — it determines the mounting footprint and the busbar or wiring space you need to allow in the enclosure. Screw terminals are the connection method, so expect to land ring or fork lugs on the power and coil terminals. The contactor snaps onto a DIN rail or can be screw-mounted to a backplate; the S2 frame typically occupies about 55 mm width on the rail.