The Siemens 3RT2316-2AK60 is a SIRIUS-branded contactor in the compact size S00 frame, rated for switching three-phase motor loads up to 4 kW in AC-3 duty at 400 V. The rated operational current of 9 A at 400 V confirms the continuous thermal capacity for the main circuit. The coil is wound for AC control: 110 V at 50 Hz, 120 V at 60 Hz, with a typical pickup VA of 0.24 at both frequencies. That 0.24 VA holding power means the control transformer or PLC relay driving it sees negligible steady-state load — useful when multiple contactors share a single 24 VDC-to-AC interface relay. Spring-loaded terminals (cage-clamp style) on the main current circuit accept 2x 0.5–2.5 mm² solid or 0.5–4 mm² stranded conductors. No screw torque to verify, no periodic re-torquing — a time-saver during panel build and a reliability gain under vibration.
Panel Integration and Clearances
The S00 footprint is 45 mm wide, 70 mm tall, 73 mm deep — a tight fit that leaves room for a full motor starter combination in a 400 mm wide enclosure. That 6 mm side gap is the critical one when packing multiple contactors on a rail — ignore it and you lose the free air circulation the thermal derating curve expects. This matters when the panel layout forces a non-standard orientation — the contactor's mechanical life of 30 million operations (typical) assumes the specified position, but the tolerance covers most cabinet constraints.
The 60 °C ceiling is the practical limit inside a sealed cabinet with other heat sources — above that, derate the AC-3 current or add forced ventilation. Relative humidity minimum 10 %; no upper limit stated, but the spring terminals and sealed coil handle condensation cycles better than screw-clamp equivalents. Rated impulse withstand voltage of the main circuit is 6 kV, which aligns with IEC 60947-4-1 requirements for industrial motor starters. The part carries a RoHS compliance date of October 1, 2009, indicating it meets the EU RoHS directive for the substance prohibitions in effect at that time.