What this part is and what it does
The Siemens 3RU2116-0GC0-ZW97 is a SIRIUS-brand thermal overload relay in the S00 frame size, designed for motor protection in a contactor-mount configuration. It uses a thermal bimetallic release to track motor heating and trips on overcurrent, with a CLASS 10 trip characteristic — meaning it must open within 10 seconds at 7.2× the current setting, the standard for standard-start induction motors like pumps and fans. The integrated auxiliary switch provides a separate signal path for the trip status, wired to a PLC or indicator; this variant is marked "for message 'Tripped'", so the auxiliary contacts change state on overload, not on coil power.
Key ratings and what they mean for fit
Rated insulation voltage is 690 V, and the AC-3e rated maximum is also 690 V, so it lives comfortably on 400 V or 480 V systems without derating for voltage. The motor power ratings at 400 V are 0.18 kW; at 690 V, 0.25 kW. That tells you this is sized for small motors — fractional horsepower, not a 10 kW drive. The auxiliary contact ratings vary by voltage: 2 A at 24 V and at 230 V, 1 A at 400 V, and 0.3 A at 60 V. For a 24 VDC PLC input, the 2 A rating is plenty; for a 400 V control circuit, the 1 A limit governs. The 50...60 Hz operating frequency covers both 50 Hz and 60 Hz line supplies without adjustment.
Mounting and wiring
Mounts directly onto a contactor — no DIN rail needed, though the contactor itself may be rail-mounted. The S00 frame is compact: 45 mm wide, 87 mm tall, 70 mm deep. Any mounting position is allowed, so vertical or horizontal orientation in the panel works. Main circuit connections use spring-loaded terminals accepting 2× (0.5...2.5 mm²) solid or stranded wire. The auxiliary switch is integrated, so no separate block to order. Temperature compensation is active from -40 to +60 °C, meaning the trip curve stays accurate across that ambient range — important if the panel sits near a hot machine or outdoors.