The Siemens 3RT2038-1AT60 is a SIRIUS power contactor in the S2 frame size, rated for 65 A in AC-3 duty at 480 V. That AC-3 rating governs motor switching — it handles the inrush and breaking of squirrel-cage motors up to that current, which is the load the contactor sees in real conveyor, pump, and fan panels. The coil termination uses screw-type terminals, and the main contacts are rated for 18 to 1 A in AC-1 resistive duty.
Panel integration and mounting
Mounts via screw fixing or snap-on onto 35 mm DIN rail per DIN EN 60715. The 55 mm width and 114 mm height fit a standard S2 footprint, so it slots into existing panel layouts sized for this frame. Depth is 130 mm, which matters when routing wires behind the contactor in a shallow enclosure. Clearance requirements: 10 mm upward, 10 mm forward, 10 mm downward, and 6 mm at the sides. Mounting position allows ±180° rotation on a vertical surface and ±22.5° tilt forward or backward.
Switching performance and operating conditions
Arcing time runs 10 to 20 ms, with a make duration of 10 to 18 ms at AC. Maximum operating cycles per hour vary by duty: 700/h for AC-1 (resistive), 500/h for AC-3 (motor), 350/h for AC-2 (slip-ring motor), and 150/h for AC-4 (plugging/inching). The AC-3e rating also allows 500/h. Ambient operating range is -25 to +60 °C; storage range is -55 to +80 °C. The auxiliary switch is included, with 18 to 1 contacts for main contact configuration.