Motor load switching at 9 A AC-3 — size S00 frame
The Siemens 3RT2316-2AF00 is a SIRIUS contactor in the compact size S00 frame, rated for 9 A operational current at 400 V in AC-3 duty — that's the motor-switching category per IEC 60947-4-1, covering squirrel-cage motors during starting and running. At the same voltage in AC-3, it handles 4 kW motor load; the AC-4 rating (inching/plugging) also holds at 4 kW at 400 V, so the contactor doesn't derate for those severe switching cycles.
DIN rail snap-on with side-by-side stacking
Side-by-side mounting is allowed, so multiple contactors pack without spacing gaps. That covers most panel layouts without derating the switching capacity.
Mechanical life and auxiliary contact count
Rated for 30 million mechanical operating cycles typical — that's the contactor body itself, not the contacts. For a line cycling once every 10 seconds, that's about 9.5 years of continuous service before mechanical wear becomes a concern. The built-in auxiliary switch (1 NO + 1 NC, wired to terminals 20-12 for NC and 20-12 for NO) gives feedback for the PLC or a holding circuit without an add-on block. If more aux contacts are needed, up to 2 attachable blocks fit the S00 frame.
Environmental range and compliance deadlines
The 10 % minimum relative humidity floor matters for dry climates — no condensation risk inside the enclosure at low humidity. Rated impulse withstand voltage is 6 kV for the main circuit, covering installation category III in 400 V distribution. RoHS compliance date is 10/01/2009 (the EU RoHS effective date), so the contactor meets the substance restrictions for current EU markets.