What it is and what it does
The Siemens 3RU1116-0GB0-ZW98 is a SIRIUS thermal overload relay in Size S00, designed for three-phase motor protection. It mounts directly to a contactor via the fastening method (contactor mounting), making it a matched pair for a motor starter assembly in a control panel. Trip Class 10 means it will trip within 10 seconds at 7.2× the set current — the standard for standard-start induction motors driving pumps, fans, and conveyors. This protects the motor winding from sustained overload without nuisance tripping on normal starting inrush. The relay carries ATEX certification (DMT 98 ATEX G 001), so it is suitable for use in potentially explosive atmospheres where motor protection must meet directive 2014/34/EU. The IP20 front protection keeps fingers and tools away from live terminals inside the enclosure.
Mounting and panel integration
Size S00 footprint: 45 mm wide, 87 mm tall, 78 mm deep. It clips onto the contactor without needing extra DIN-rail space — the zero clearance upwards, forwards, backwards, and downwards (all 0 mm) means no extra gap required around the relay itself. Side clearance of 6 mm is needed for airflow and wiring access. Mounting position is flexible: vertical surface with ±135° rotation and ±45° tilt front-to-back. This helps when the panel layout forces an angled installation — common in tight retrofit cabinets. Screw-type terminals on both main and auxiliary/control circuits. Accepts solid conductors: 2× (0.5…1.5 mm²) and 2× (0.75…2.5 mm²), plus AWG equivalents 2× (20…16), 2× (18…14), 2× 12. Finely stranded with core-end processing uses the same ranges.
Ratings and what they mean for the buyer
Power dissipation per pole is 1.6 W — three poles total 4.8 W. This matters for thermal management inside a sealed enclosure; at full load the relay contributes measurable heat that must be considered in the cabinet cooling budget. Auxiliary contact ratings vary by voltage: 1 A at 24 V, 3 A at 120 V, 2 A at 230 V, 1 A at 400 V. These are the switching capacities for the N/O and N/C contacts that signal overload status to a PLC or annunciator. The 400 V rating confirms it can switch control voltage in a 400 VAC control circuit directly. Surge voltage resistance rated at 6 kV — this is the impulse withstand level for the auxiliary contacts, matching typical IEC 60947-5-1 requirements for industrial control circuits. It means the relay can handle switching transients without contact welding or insulation breakdown. Shock resistance: 8g for 10 ms. This is the mechanical robustness against vibration and shock in industrial environments — think hammer drills, stamping presses, or conveyor impact. The relay holds its calibration under those conditions. Operating temperature range -20 to +70 °C, storage and transport -55 to +80 °C. The wide storage range matters for spares stored in unheated warehouses. Relative humidity during operation up to 100% — no derating needed for condensing environments.
Lifecycle and sourcing reality
Substance prohibitance date of 07/01/2006 aligns with RoHS compliance — the relay is free of restricted substances per EU directive 2011/65/EU. The reference code per IEC 81346-2 is F (protective device), which helps with standardized panel documentation.