What it is and where it fits
The Siemens 3RT2326-1AM20 is a SIRIUS Size S0 contactor with a 208 V AC coil rated for both 50 Hz and 60 Hz supply. It switches motor loads in control panels and mounts via screw or snap-on onto 35 mm DIN rail per DIN EN 60715 — the standard rail profile in every panel I've opened. The coil termination uses screw-type terminals, and the main contacts accept solid or stranded wire from 1 to 10 mm². That's a solid grip for motor branch circuits up through the S0 frame rating.
Key ratings — what they mean for your BOM line
The main contact rating is listed as 16 to 8 — that's the AC-3 utilization category for motor switching, so this contactor handles motor starting and stopping within that current band. The mechanical life is 10 million operations typical, which means it'll outlast most of the gear it's driving in a standard production line. Auxiliary contacts are included (yes/no flag says yes), so you've got feedback for the PLC or a holding circuit without bolting on a separate block. The coil holds at 208 V AC; dropout characteristics follow the standard SIRIUS curve. Operating temperature range is -25 to +60 °C, which covers most indoor panel environments. Storage range is wider at -55 to +80 °C — that's the shipping and shelf limit, not the running condition.
Mounting and integration
Dimensions are 85 mm high, 60 mm wide, 97 mm deep — that's a compact S0 footprint. The mounting position is flexible: +/-180° rotation on a vertical surface, and can be tilted forward/backward by +/-22.5° on a vertical surface. Clearances: 10 mm upwards, 10 mm downwards, 6 mm at the sides, 10 mm forwards. That's tight enough for dense DIN-rail layouts. Wire range for the coil terminals: solid 2x (0.5 to 1.5 mm²) or 2x (0.75 to 2.5 mm²). Stranded main power wires go up to 10 mm². That covers standard control and power wiring without adapters.