What this contactor is and where it fits
The Siemens SIRIUS 3RT2038-1SP30 is a Size S2 power contactor built for switching motor loads in control panels. It mounts via screw and snap-on onto 35 mm DIN rail per DIN EN 60715, so it integrates into a standard panel layout without special bracketry. The coil accepts a rated value of 175 to 280 VAC, with an initial pickup threshold of 0.8x nominal and an inrush current peak of 43 A. That means the coil pulls hard to seat the armature quickly, then holds at a lower sealed power — 2 VA at both 50 and 60 Hz. Main contacts are screw-type terminals accepting 2x (0.5 to 1.5 mm²) or 2x (0.75 to 2.5 mm²) solid or stranded wire. An auxiliary switch is built in, saving an add-on block for basic status feedback.
Lifecycle and sourcing reality
The listed MTBF of 52 a gives a reliability benchmark for maintenance planning. That figure is a statistical mean — not a guaranteed service life — but it supports the contactor's use in continuous-duty applications where unscheduled downtime matters.
Mechanical and environmental limits
Operating temperature spans -25 to +60 °C; storage range is -55 to +80 °C. The mounting position allows +/-180° rotation on a vertical surface and can be tilted forward or backward by +/-22.5°, which gives flexibility in tight enclosures. Clearance distances: 10 mm upwards, forwards, and downwards; 6 mm at the side. The contactor measures 114 mm high by 55 mm wide by 130 mm deep — the S2 frame fits standard 55 mm-wide DIN-rail slots.
Switching duty and mechanical life
Rated switching frequencies vary by duty: AC-1 (resistive) at 700 operations/hour, AC-3 (motor starting) at 500/h, AC-4 (plugging/inching) at 150/h. The AC-3e maximum is also 500/h. These ratings govern how fast the contactor can cycle without exceeding thermal limits. Mechanical life is listed at 5,000,000 operations typical. Arcing time runs 10 to 20 ms, and both AC and DC operate times are 30 to 55 ms — consistent with a general-purpose power contactor for motor control.