SIRIUS S3 Power Contactor for Motor Switching
The Siemens 3RT2046-1AU00 is a SIRIUS-branded power contactor in the S3 frame size, designed for switching motor loads and resistive loads in industrial control panels. Rated 96 A at 480 V in AC-3 duty (motor starting/switching), this contactor handles 20 hp at 230 V — the AC-3 rating is the one that governs real motor-load fit, not the higher AC-1 resistive rating. Mounts via screw or snap-on onto 35 mm DIN rail per EN 60715, with a ±180° rotation range on vertical surfaces and ±22.5° tilt allowance — useful when panel layout forces an unconventional orientation.
Wiring, Clearance, and Environmental Limits
Main circuit terminals accept solid conductors from 2.5 to 16 mm² and stranded conductors from 6 to 70 mm² — the wide stranded range covers both panel wiring and heavier motor feeders. Auxiliary switch terminals accept two conductors per clamp: 2x (0.5 to 1.5 mm²) or 2x (0.75 to 2.5 mm²), solid or stranded. Minimum clearance around the contactor: 10 mm upwards, 10 mm downwards, 20 mm forwards, and 10 mm at the sides — essential to maintain for heat dissipation and arc-flash clearance. Operates from -25 °C to +60 °C and stores from -55 °C to +80 °C, covering most indoor panel environments and cold warehouse storage.