What this contactor is and where it fits
The Siemens 3RT2046-3AP06 is a SIRIUS S3 power contactor — the frame size that handles the 96 A AC-3 band at 480 V, which covers most 50 hp motor loads at that voltage. It is a 3-pole unit with spring-type terminals on the coil and main contacts, so no screw torque to chase on the control wiring. Mounting is screw or snap-on onto 35 mm DIN rail per DIN EN 60715, and the mounting position allows +/-180° rotation on a vertical surface plus +/-22.5° tilt forward/backward — useful when the panel layout forces an odd angle.
Key ratings and what they mean for the panel
The headline number is 96 A at 480 V in AC-3 duty — that is the motor-switching current for squirrel-cage motors, the most common load this contactor will see. The same contactor carries 20 hp at 230 V, so it scales down cleanly for lower-voltage motor banks. Switching frequency varies by duty class: 850 operations per hour in AC-3 and AC-3e, 900 in AC-1 (resistive), 350 in AC-2 (slip-ring motor starting), and 250 in AC-4 (plugging/reversing). For a conveyor line running at 30 starts per hour, the AC-3 rating leaves headroom; for a reversing application, the AC-4 ceiling is the one to watch. Wire range is 2.5 to 16 mm² solid for the control circuit and 6 to 70 mm² stranded for the main power loop — covers everything from #10 AWG control wiring to #2/0 AWG feeder on the line side. Dimensions are 140 mm high, 80 mm wide, 152 mm deep — the S3 footprint fits a standard 200 mm deep enclosure with room for the 10 mm clearance above and below, 20 mm forward, and 10 mm sideways to adjacent devices.
Lifecycle and sourcing posture
The auxiliary switch block is available as a separate order — the contactor body ships without one fitted, so if the BOM calls for aux contacts, order them alongside.