What this SIRIUS S3 contactor is and where it fits
The Siemens SIRIUS 3RT2046-1NP30 is a power contactor in the S3 frame size, designed for switching motor loads in industrial control panels. It mounts via screw or snap-on onto 35 mm DIN rail per DIN EN 60715, so it drops into a standard panel layout without adapter plates. The coil is rated 175-280 VAC, drawing 3.5 VA at both 50 Hz and 60 Hz — a single coil covers line voltages across most European and Asian mains without a tap change. Main contact wiring accepts solid conductors 2.5-16 mm² or stranded 6-70 mm², giving flexibility for both panel-building and field retrofit where lug sizes vary.
Switching frequency by duty class
The contactor's maximum switching rate depends on the load type: 900 operations/hour for resistive loads (AC-1), 850 ops/hour for motor starting (AC-3 and AC-3e), 350 ops/hour for slip-ring motor reversing (AC-2), and 250 ops/hour for plugging/inching (AC-4). For a conveyor line running AC-3 duty, the 850 ops/hour ceiling is the one that governs cycle time — not the AC-1 figure.
Mounting and clearances
The 70 mm wide S3 frame requires 10 mm clearance upward, downward, and to the side, and 20 mm forward for arc-chamber venting. Mounting position allows ±180° rotation on a vertical surface and ±22.5° forward/backward tilt — useful when the contactor sits on a swing-out panel door.