What it is and what the ratings mean
The Siemens 3RT2517-2AP00-Z X95 is a size S00 power contactor from the SIRIUS family, rated for AC-3 duty at 12 A and 5.5 kW on a 400 V three-phase system. That AC-3 rating means it's built for starting and stopping squirrel-cage induction motors under load — the standard for conveyor drives, pumps, and compressors in control panels. The 4-pole configuration gives you 2 normally-open and 2 normally-closed main contacts, so you can switch both the motor supply and a separate control circuit or brake without needing an auxiliary contact block. The 230 V AC coil operates on 50/60 Hz, which is the standard industrial control voltage across Europe and much of Asia. Spring-loaded terminals — push-in or cage-clamp style — let you terminate solid or ferruled stranded wire without a screwdriver, which speeds up panel wiring and holds tight under vibration. The S00 frame size is the smallest in the SIRIUS contactor range, so it fits in tight DIN-rail enclosures where every millimeter of rail space counts.
Lifecycle and sourcing reality
RoHS compliance is confirmed since October 2009, and REACH candidate-list information is available for downstream reporting. No export restrictions beyond standard AL:N / ECCN:N classification, so cross-border sourcing is straightforward. The packaging note mentions reusable packaging when ordered in the full pack quantity of 120 units — something to flag for bulk orders if your facility has return logistics for packaging.
Where it fits in the panel
Size S00 mounts on standard 35 mm DIN rail and measures roughly 70 x 47 x 73 mm, so it occupies about the same footprint as a four-module miniature circuit breaker. The spring-loaded terminals accept conductors up to the contactor's rated cross-section — typically 1.5 to 4 mm² for power wiring — and the compact depth leaves room for wiring ducts and auxiliary blocks on adjacent rail positions. For a 5.5 kW motor at 400 V, expect a full-load current around 11-12 A, so the 12 A AC-3 rating is right at the motor's draw. If the motor starts under heavy load or cycles frequently, consider whether the utilization category or service factor demands a contactor one frame size up — but for standard IEC general-purpose motors, this is the direct match.