What it is and what it does
The Siemens 3RU2116-1GC0-ZW97 is a SIRIUS thermal overload relay — size S00, Trip Class 10 — designed to protect motors against overload and phase failure by monitoring current and tripping the connected contactor when the thermal model exceeds the threshold. The note on this variant reads "for message 'Tripped'", meaning the auxiliary contact set provides a dedicated signal output when the relay has tripped, so a PLC or indicator can register the fault without ambiguity. It mounts directly onto a SIRIUS contactor (contactor mounting), saving panel space and eliminating interconnecting wiring between the relay and the contactor coil. The spring-loaded terminals on the main current circuit accept 2x (0.5... 2.5 mm²) solid or stranded conductors — tool-less, which speeds wiring on a build.
Key ratings and what they mean for fit
Trip Class 10 means the relay must trip within 10 seconds at 7.2× the set current (cold start). That is the standard for standard-duty motor starting — pumps, fans, compressors that accelerate to full speed in a few seconds. If your motor has a longer start (high-inertia loads like a centrifuge), you need a Class 20 or 30 relay; this one is not for that. Rated insulation voltage is 690 V, and the relay handles AC-3e switching up to that same voltage. The power ratings at various line voltages are: 2.2 kW at 400 V, 3 kW at 500 V, 4 kW at 690 V. At 480 V and 600 V the current rating is 6.3 A. That tells you the motor FLA range this relay can protect — size your overload setting within the relay's adjustment range, not beyond it. Auxiliary contact ratings are given for several control voltages: 2 A at 24 V, 3 A at 120 V, 2 A at 230 V, 1 A at 400 V. These are the make/break capacities for the signal circuit — enough to drive a PLC input or a small relay directly, but not a contactor coil. The auxiliary switch is integrated, so no add-on block is needed.
Where it goes and how it mounts
This relay is sized for the S00 frame — the smallest SIRIUS overload relay footprint. It clips onto the contactor (contactor mounting) and can be mounted in any position. The dimensions are 45 mm wide, 87 mm high, 70 mm deep — fits a standard 45 mm DIN-rail pitch when paired with the matching contactor. Temperature compensation is active from -40 to +60 °C, so the thermal curve stays accurate in a warm panel or a cold warehouse. Operating temperature range is -40 to +70 °C; storage and transport go from -55 to +80 °C.
Lifecycle and sourcing reality
Substance prohibitance date is 10/01/2009 — that is the RoHS compliance baseline (RoHS 2, Directive 2011/65/EU). The relay is also REACH compliant per the SVHC list. No UL or CSA mark is listed in the spec record, so if your panel requires a UL-listed overload relay, verify the specific UL file number with the factory or check the nameplate variant.