Lifecycle and Sourcing Reality
The 3RT2325-1AK60: As a current-production SIRIUS contactor, it supports full part genealogy and traceability requirements for automotive Tier-1 PPAP submissions — the manufacturer maintains lot-level records.
Auxiliary Contact Ratings: What They Mean for Your Control Circuit
The built-in 1 NO + 1 NC auxiliary switch is rated for AC-15 and DC-13 loads across a wide voltage range: 10 A at 24 V AC, 10 A at 230 V AC, and 3 A at 400 V AC for the NO contact; the NC contact carries 6 A at 60 V DC, 2 A at 500 V DC, and 0.1 A at 600 V DC. These ratings cover typical PLC digital inputs, relay coils, and indicator lamps. The 10 A at 230 V AC rating means this auxiliary can directly switch a moderate-sized contactor coil or a bank of solenoid valves without an interposing relay. The DC-13 ratings (inductive DC loads) are the limiting factor for DC control circuits: 6 A at 60 V DC drops to 0.3 A at 220 V DC. For 24 V DC control, the 10 A rating applies — adequate for most PLC output modules.
Mechanical and Environmental Fit
The S0 frame size measures 97 mm deep by 60 mm wide by 85 mm high — a compact footprint that fits standard 35 mm DIN rail per DIN EN 60715. The screw-and-snap-on mounting allows tool-free installation and removal for panel servicing. Operating temperature range is -25 to +60 °C, with storage from -55 to +80 °C. This covers most indoor industrial environments including unheated warehouses and panel interiors near machinery. Mounting position is flexible: ±180° rotation on a vertical surface, plus ±22.5° forward/backward tilt. This accommodates tight enclosures or angled sub-panels without derating.
Wiring and Termination Details
Main contact wiring accepts stranded conductors from 1 to 10 mm². Auxiliary and coil terminals accept solid wire in two sizes: 2x (0.5 to 1.5 mm²) or 2x (0.75 to 2.5 mm²). The coil uses screw-type terminals (not cage clamps) — ensure a proper torque driver is available during panel assembly. The AC coil draws 0.25 VA at 50 Hz and 0.28 VA at 60 Hz, negligible for most control transformers. Clearance distances: 10 mm upwards and forwards, 10 mm downwards, 6 mm at the sides. These are the minimum air gaps to adjacent metalwork or other devices for proper heat dissipation and arc clearance.
Mechanical Endurance and Switching Performance
Mechanical endurance is rated at 10 million operations typical — this is the expected life before mechanical wear (spring fatigue, pivot wear) rather than electrical contact erosion. In a cycling application at 1 operation per second, that is over 115 days of continuous duty. Arcing time is 10 ms (fixed), with a make time of 4 to 16 ms and break time of 4 to 16 ms at AC. These switching times are consistent across the operating range and are compatible with standard PLC scan cycles.