What it is and where it fits
The Siemens 3RU1116-1GB0-ZW97 is a SIRIUS thermal overload relay, Size S00, designed to protect three-phase motors against overload and phase failure. It mounts directly to a contactor — the fastening method is contactor mounting — so it integrates into a standard motor starter assembly on a DIN rail or mounting plate. The IP20 front protection means it's safe for finger contact inside an enclosed panel, but it's not rated for washdown environments.
Key ratings and what they mean for your build
Trip Class 10 means the relay will trip within 10 seconds at 7.2× the current setting — standard for protecting standard induction motors during a locked-rotor condition. The 3-pole design covers the three phases of a motor circuit. Power dissipation is 2.2 W per pole, so at full load the relay dissipates about 6.6 W total — factor that into your panel's thermal budget if you're packing multiple starters in a small enclosure. Surge voltage resistance is rated at 6 kV, which aligns with IEC 60947-1 overvoltage category III for industrial control panels — it can handle switching transients without flashover. The operating temperature range of -20 to +70 °C covers most indoor industrial environments, and the 8g / 10 ms shock resistance means it holds up on a machine that sees vibration from nearby presses or conveyors. Mounting position is flexible: the relay can be mounted on a vertical surface with ±135° rotation or ±45° tilt forward/back. That's useful when you're fitting it into a tight corner of a panel and can't keep everything perfectly square. Clearance requirements are tight — 0 mm upwards, forwards, backwards, and downwards — but 6 mm at the side is needed for air circulation and to avoid heat buildup between adjacent relays.
Termination and wiring
Both main and auxiliary/control circuits use screw-type terminals. The main circuit accepts solid conductors: 2x (0.5... 1.5 mm²) and 2x (0.75... 2.5 mm²), plus AWG equivalents 2x (20... 16) and 2x (18... 14) and 2x 12. For finely stranded wire with ferrule ends, the same ranges apply. Auxiliary contacts accept 2x (20... 16) and 2x (18... 14) AWG. That's a standard range for control wiring — no special crimp tools needed beyond what's already in your panel shop.
Approvals and compliance
The relay carries ATEX approval DMT 98 ATEX G 001, which certifies it for use in potentially explosive gas atmospheres — specifically for thermal protection of motors in Zone 1 or Zone 2 areas. The substance prohibition date of 07/01/2006 aligns with RoHS compliance (restriction of hazardous substances). The reference code per IEC 81346-2 is 'F', which designates a protective device in that standard's classification system.