Siemens 3RT2016-1AP01 — Contactor Specs & Selection Guide

By Abdullah Zahid
15 min read
Siemens 3RT2016-1AP01 SIRIUS Size S00 three-pole contactor for three-phase motor control on DIN rail

SIRIUS 3RT2 Contactor, Size S00, 3-Pole — Siemens 3RT2016-1AP01 Specifications, Ratings, and Selection Guide

When a controls engineer or panel builder searches for the Siemens 3RT2016-1AP01 contactor, the decision is almost always already narrowed down: they need a compact three-pole electromechanical contactor for motor switching duty, and they want to confirm the current ratings, coil voltage options, and usage class fit before committing to a purchase order. The 3RT2016-1AP01 is a Size S00 device from the Siemens SIRIUS 3RT2 family, rated 22A at AC-1 and 9A at AC-3 (400V), with DIN rail mounting and screw terminals — a well-established part covering a wide range of three-phase motor control applications from 4 kW machine tool spindles to 5.5 kW high-voltage pump motors.

If you have already confirmed this is the right part, check current pricing and availability at LeadTime.ca — ships worldwide.

Who Should Buy the 3RT2016-1AP01 — and Who Shouldn't

The Siemens 3RT2016-1AP01 is the right contactor when all of the following apply to your application:

  • You need a three-pole configuration for three-phase motor or load switching — not a two-pole or four-pole device
  • Your full-load current falls within 9A at 400V (AC-3) or 22A at 690V (AC-1) — loads beyond this require a larger frame
  • Your control supply voltage is available in one of the supported coil options: 24V to 690V DC or AC, selectable by model suffix
  • Your panel uses DIN rail mounting with screw terminal wiring and your wire gauges are compatible (minimum 4 mm² at 22A, 40°C ambient)
  • Your installation environment stays within the -25°C to 60°C operating temperature range

If your motor exceeds 9A full-load amps at 400V in AC-3 duty, this is the wrong frame — look at the Size S2 3RT2025-1AP01 for the next capacity tier. If you need integrated overload protection rather than a standalone contactor, pair this device with a separate overload relay or evaluate a motor starter combination. For applications requiring smooth ramp-up, a soft-starter or VFD will better serve the load profile than an electromechanical contactor at any size.

On this page:

What the 3RT2016-1AP01 Actually Does in a Motor Control Circuit

The Siemens 3RT2016-1AP01 is an electromechanical contactor — a remotely operated switching device that uses an electromagnetic coil to open and close three main power contacts simultaneously. When a control signal energizes the coil (anywhere from 24V DC to 690V AC depending on the ordered suffix), the solenoid pulls the contact bridge closed, connecting three-phase power through to the motor or load. When the coil is de-energized, a spring mechanism opens the contacts and breaks the circuit. There is no intelligence, no soft-start ramp, and no overload protection built in — the 3RT2016-1AP01 is a fast-acting, mechanically simple switch sized for the 4 kW to 22 kW load range depending on voltage and usage class.

The SIRIUS 3RT2 product family that this device belongs to is Siemens' current-generation industrial contactor platform, replacing the older 3RT1 series. Size S00 is the most compact classification in the range, which makes the 3RT2016-1AP01 practical for dense panel layouts where DIN rail space is a constraint. The screw terminal connection design is consistent with standard industrial panel wiring practice, and the device is compliant with IEC 60947-4-1 as well as UL and CSA standards for industrial control gear.

One fact worth flagging for procurement specialists: the base model catalog number 3RT2016-1AP01 identifies the frame, pole configuration, and terminal type, but the coil voltage is embedded in the suffix. Ordering the base number without specifying the correct suffix variant is a common source of specification errors — the Wrong-Part Checklist later in this article covers this in detail.

Typical System Architecture for a SIRIUS S00 Contactor

The 3RT2016-1AP01 sits between the control logic (PLC output or manual switch) and the motor load in the power circuit. Understanding where it fits in the signal and power chain helps avoid incorrect sizing and wiring decisions.

  • Upstream: Main disconnect switch or molded-case circuit breaker provides branch protection and isolating capability — the contactor is not a circuit breaker and cannot replace this function
  • Control side: PLC digital output, pushbutton station, or relay contact energizes the contactor coil at the rated coil voltage (24V DC to 690V AC depending on suffix ordered)
  • Main contacts: Three NO main poles connect L1, L2, L3 phase power through to the motor terminals when the coil is energized
  • Downstream: Thermal overload relay or motor protector in series between contactor output and motor — the 3RT2016-1AP01 provides no inherent overload protection and must be paired with a separate device
  • Motor: Three-phase induction motor or other three-phase load with full-load current within the AC-3 rating (9A at 400V, 6.7A at 690V) or AC-1 rating (22A) depending on load type

Where Engineers Actually Deploy the 3RT2016-1AP01

Machine tool builders and production line integrators use the 3RT2016-1AP01 in AC-3 duty for spindle motor start-stop circuits. A 4 kW motor at 400V draws well within the 9A AC-3 rating, and the compact S00 footprint fits the narrow panel sections typical in CNC machine electrical cabinets. Rapid start-stop cycles in AC-3 or AC-4 duty are also supported, with a rated switching frequency of 750 cycles per hour in AC-3 and 250 cycles per hour in AC-4.

HVAC system designers apply this contactor for compressor and fan motor control in commercial building mechanical rooms. The 690V AC-1 rating at 22A covers larger commercial systems where higher distribution voltages are used, and the wide coil voltage range means engineers can match the existing 24V DC BMS control output or a 230V AC control transformer without sourcing a different part number family.

Conveyor and pump applications in warehouse automation and water treatment plants use the 3RT2016-1AP01 in AC-4 duty where motors start and stop frequently. The 200,000-cycle operating life in AC-4 at 400V makes this contactor suitable for high-cycle-rate installations when the load current stays within the 4.1A AC-4 limit at 400V. Pairing with a thermal overload relay is required for full motor protection in these applications.

Panel builders standardizing control cabinet designs across multiple machine variants often specify the 3RT2016-1AP01 as a single contactor type across a range of smaller motors. Carrying one spare part number rather than three different frame sizes reduces storeroom inventory and simplifies field replacement decisions.

Application Typical Deployment
Machine tool spindle motor control AC-3 duty, 4 kW at 400V, PLC-controlled start-stop in CNC cabinet
HVAC compressor and fan motor AC-1 or AC-3 duty, 230V–690V, BMS 24V DC coil control
Conveyor motor remote control AC-4 duty, frequent cycling, 400V, paired with overload relay
Pump motor circuit isolation AC-3 duty, water/wastewater panels, 690V option for larger sites
Multi-motor control panel standardization Same contactor type across multiple motor circuits, shared spares inventory
Generator and backup power starting AC-1 duty, non-inductive load switching, 22A at any supported voltage

Current Ratings, Voltage Options, and Key Specs at a Glance

Parameter Specification
Product Size / Frame S00 (compact)
Main Poles 3-pole, normally open (NO)
AC-1 Current Rating (all voltages) 22A at 40°C ambient; 20A at 60°C ambient
AC-3 Current Rating 9A at 400V / 6.7A at 690V
AC-4 Current Rating 4.1A at 400V / 3.3A at 690V
AC-3 Power Rating 4 kW at 400V / 5.5 kW at 690V
Coil Voltage Range (DC) 24V to 600V DC (suffix selectable)
Coil Voltage Range (AC) 24V to 690V AC (suffix selectable)
Operating Temperature -25°C to 60°C (derating applies above 40°C)
Short-Time Withstand Current 155A (1 second, cold state, zero current)

Full technical specifications are available on the product page at LeadTime.ca.

AC-1, AC-3, and AC-4 Usage Classes: Which One Applies to Your Load?

Usage class is the single most important spec to confirm before ordering — it directly determines whether the 3RT2016-1AP01 is correctly rated for your application or undersized. The IEC 60947-4-1 standard defines these classes by the type of load being switched and the severity of the switching duty.

AC-1 covers non-inductive or mildly inductive loads — resistive heating, lighting, and capacitor banks. The 3RT2016-1AP01 is rated 22A in AC-1 service at any supported voltage from 230V to 690V, which translates to 7.5 kW at 230V, 13 kW at 400V, and 22 kW at 690V. The electrical stress on the contacts in AC-1 is relatively low because there is no high inrush current during switching.

AC-3 is the standard class for three-phase squirrel-cage induction motor starting and normal running shutdown. The contactor closes against starting inrush current (typically 5–7 times full-load amps) and opens while the motor is still running. The 3RT2016-1AP01 is rated 9A at 400V and 6.7A at 690V in AC-3 — corresponding to 4 kW and 5.5 kW respectively. This is the usage class that most machine tool, pump, and conveyor applications fall under.

AC-4 covers repetitive starting, plugging, and inching duty — applications where the motor is started and stopped frequently or where the contactor opens under full load current during rapid cycling. The current ratings drop significantly: 4.1A at 400V and 3.3A at 690V, representing 2 kW and 2.5 kW respectively. The rated electrical life in AC-4 is approximately 200,000 operating cycles. If your application involves frequent on-off cycling, confirm the motor's full-load amps fall within the AC-4 limit — not the AC-3 limit.

Usage Class Voltage Current Rating Power Rating Typical Application
AC-1 230V 22A 7.5 kW Non-inductive loads, lighting
AC-1 400V 22A 13 kW General industrial loads
AC-1 690V 22A 22 kW High-voltage distribution switching
AC-3 400V 9A 4 kW Three-phase motor starting and stopping
AC-3 690V 6.7A 5.5 kW High-voltage motor control
AC-4 400V 4.1A 2 kW Repetitive motor start-stop cycling
AC-4 690V 3.3A 2.5 kW High-voltage rapid cycling, 200K cycles

Coil Voltage Selection: Matching the Model Suffix to Your Control Supply

The 3RT2016-1AP01 base catalog number identifies the frame and pole configuration, but the coil voltage — and therefore the correct part to order — is determined by the model suffix. Ordering the wrong suffix means receiving a contactor that will not operate on your control supply voltage, causing installation delays. Confirm your available control supply voltage before placing any order.

DC coil variants use the -8K suffix followed by the voltage. Available DC options include 24V (-8K24), 48V (-8K48), 60V (-8K60), 110V (-8K110), 220V (-8K220), and 600V (-8K600). DC coils are common in PLC-controlled systems where 24V DC is the standard control bus voltage.

AC coil variants use the -8CK suffix. Available AC options include 24V (-8CK24), 115V (-8CK115), 230V (-8CK230), 400V (-8CK400), 500V (-8CK500), and 690V (-8CK690). The 230V AC coil is the most commonly stocked variant for standard single-phase industrial control supply applications. The 115V AC variant is commonly used in North American installations where 120V control transformers are standard.

Coil voltage tolerance is typically -10% to +10% of the rated value. If your control supply is subject to significant voltage sag under load, measure the actual voltage at the coil terminals under worst-case conditions before finalizing the suffix selection.

3RT2016-1AP01 vs the Rest of the SIRIUS Family — Which Size Do You Need?

Model Size Main Poles AC-3 Current @ 400V Best For vs 3RT2016-1AP01
3RT2015-1AP01 S00 3 9A Previous generation equivalent Older generation; 3RT2016 is current standard
3RT2016-1AP01 S00 3 9A Standard 4 kW–22 kW motors Current model — this device
3RT3016-1AP01 S0 3 16A Intermediate capacity between S00 and S2 Higher AC-3 current for motors just above 9A
3RT2025-1AP01 S2 3 25A Larger motors in the 22–55 kW range Larger frame for loads exceeding S00 ratings

If your motor draws more than 9A full-load amps at 400V in AC-3 duty, the 3RT2016-1AP01 is not the correct part — the 3RT2025-1AP01 at Size S2 is the appropriate next step up. Check current availability of the 3RT2016-1AP01 at LeadTime.ca and contact the team if you need to confirm which variant fits your specific load.

Expert Verdict: Is This the Right Contactor for Your Panel?

The Siemens 3RT2016-1AP01 earns its position as a standard-stocking contactor in industrial panel builds for straightforward reasons: the SIRIUS 3RT2 platform is a mature, well-documented product line with predictable behavior, wide coil voltage coverage, and a proven service life under AC-3 and AC-4 duty. The S00 form factor fits the DIN rail sections where most small motor circuits live in a crowded enclosure. For any three-phase motor load up to 4 kW at 400V in AC-3 service — machine tool spindle, pump, conveyor, or fan — this is a direct, uncomplicated specification that will not create problems downstream. The compliance with IEC 60947-4-1, UL, and CSA means it meets the documentation requirements for both European and North American panel certification without additional engineering work.

Where the 3RT2016-1AP01 has real limits: the 9A AC-3 rating at 400V means it is only appropriate for motors up to approximately 4 kW at that voltage. Engineers sometimes mistakenly apply the AC-1 rating (22A) to motor loads, which leads to contact welding and premature failure within weeks. Rapid-cycle applications must be evaluated against the AC-4 rating (4.1A at 400V), not AC-3. If your motor is at the upper edge of the AC-3 rating, moving to the Size S0 3RT3016-1AP01 at 16A gives meaningful headroom. If you need integrated overload protection, this standalone contactor is not a substitute — pair it with a thermal overload relay in the same circuit. If the load demands smooth starting (high-inertia loads, process-sensitive applications), a soft-starter handles ramp-up duty that an electromechanical contactor cannot replicate.

From a procurement standpoint, the 3RT2016-1AP01 in the 230V AC and 24V DC coil variants is typically a stocked item at major industrial distributors with lead times in the 1–2 week range for standard orders. Less common coil voltage suffixes (500V AC, 600V DC) may require extended lead time or factory order. If you are consolidating a multi-unit order or need to confirm stock on a specific coil suffix before committing to a build schedule, view current stock and pricing at LeadTime.ca — the team can confirm availability on specific suffix variants worldwide.

For volume pricing or to confirm lead time before committing to a build, contact the LeadTime.ca team directly — we ship worldwide.

Wiring and Installation Overview

  • Mount the 3RT2016-1AP01 on DIN rail inside an enclosure; ensure sufficient clearance around the solenoid body for heat dissipation and mechanical operation
  • Connect main phase conductors (L1, L2, L3) to the three main input terminals and load conductors (T1, T2, T3) to the output terminals using minimum 4 mm² wire at 22A in a 40°C ambient environment (2.5 mm² is acceptable at 60°C ambient for the same current)
  • Connect the control supply to the coil terminals matching the rated suffix voltage; verify polarity for DC coil variants before energizing
  • Wire a thermal overload relay in series between the contactor output and the motor terminals — the 3RT2016-1AP01 provides no overload protection independently
  • Before first energization, verify coil voltage at the terminals matches the rated coil voltage within the -10% to +10% tolerance, confirm mechanical plunger moves freely, and test auxiliary contact NO/NC operation if fitted

Full wiring diagrams and terminal tightening torque values are provided in the Siemens SIRIUS 3RT2 product manual available from siemens.com. Engineers needing step-by-step installation procedures should consult manufacturer documentation.

Wrong-Part Prevention: Order This Checklist Before You Buy

Use the following checklist verbatim before placing any order for the Siemens 3RT2016-1AP01 — each item corresponds to a real failure mode seen in the field or a sourcing error that causes delays:

  1. Confirm three-pole requirement (3RT2016-1AP01 is always 3-pole; do not confuse with 2-pole or 4-pole variants)
  2. Verify main circuit voltage rating matches load (230V, 400V, 500V, or 690V AC available)
  3. Check current rating: AC-1 usage class rated 22A; AC-3 rated 9A at 400V, 6.7A at 690V
  4. Confirm control coil voltage matches available supply (check model suffix for -8K, -8CK, -8DK versions for specific voltages)
  5. Verify screw terminal wire gauges fit installation (4 mm² minimum for AC-1 at 22A per 40°C ambient)
  6. Ensure mechanical space allows DIN rail mounting (Size S00 is compact but check panel depth)
  7. Confirm AC-1 vs AC-3 vs AC-4 usage class matches actual application profile
  8. Check ambient temperature range (-25°C to 60°C operational) suits installation environment

If any item on this checklist cannot be confirmed, do not order until the specification is resolved. Contact the LeadTime.ca team if you need help confirming the correct suffix or comparing to an alternative frame size — we can help you validate the spec before you commit to an order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AC-3 current rating of the 3RT2016-1AP01 at 400V, and does it cover a 5.5 kW motor?

The AC-3 rating at 400V is 9A. A standard 5.5 kW four-pole induction motor at 400V typically draws approximately 11–12A full-load amps, which exceeds the 9A AC-3 limit of the S00 frame. For a 5.5 kW motor at 400V, the 3RT2016-1AP01 is undersized in AC-3 duty — evaluate the Size S0 3RT3016-1AP01 (16A AC-3) or Size S2 3RT2025-1AP01 (25A AC-3) instead. The 5.5 kW rating shown in the specs table applies to AC-3 at 690V, where the motor draws less current at the higher voltage.

How do I identify which coil voltage suffix I need when ordering?

Identify your available control supply voltage first. For 24V DC PLC output circuits, order the -8K24 suffix. For 230V AC control transformers common in North American industrial panels, order the -8CK230 suffix. For 115V AC control supplies, order -8CK115. The full catalog number including suffix must be specified on the purchase order — ordering only the base number 3RT2016-1AP01 without a coil suffix is an incomplete specification and will result in the wrong product being shipped.

Can the 3RT2016-1AP01 be used to switch the input to a soft-starter?

Yes. Placing the 3RT2016-1AP01 on the line side of a soft-starter is a standard topology that allows remote isolation and on-off control of the soft-starter via PLC or pushbutton. In this configuration the contactor switches the supply to the soft-starter input rather than directly switching the motor; the soft-starter handles the inrush current management. The contactor in this role operates in AC-1 or AC-3 duty depending on whether the soft-starter provides bypass contactors.

What is the maximum switching frequency for the 3RT2016-1AP01?

The rated maximum switching frequency is 1,000 cycles per hour in AC-1 service, 750 cycles per hour in AC-3 service, and 250 cycles per hour in AC-4 service. Applications that exceed these rates — such as very rapid on-off conveyor indexing — risk accelerated contact wear and reduced service life. If your application cycle rate approaches or exceeds the AC-4 limit of 250 cycles per hour, evaluate a solid-state switching solution or a higher-rated contactor frame.

Does the 3RT2016-1AP01 include auxiliary contacts?

Auxiliary contacts are not included in the base model. The base 3RT2016-1AP01 provides only the three main NO power contacts. Auxiliary contacts for interlocking, feedback signaling, or control logic must be ordered separately as add-on accessories using the appropriate auxiliary contact block suffix. Confirm auxiliary contact requirements before finalizing the bill of materials.

Is an upstream circuit breaker or fuse required when using the 3RT2016-1AP01?

Yes. The 3RT2016-1AP01 is not a circuit breaker and provides no short-circuit interrupting capability beyond the 155A short-time withstand rating at 1 second. A properly rated main disconnect and branch protection device (circuit breaker or fuse) must be installed upstream of the contactor in every installation. The contactor's role is load switching, not overcurrent protection. Similarly, a separate thermal overload relay or motor protector must be installed downstream to protect the motor from sustained overcurrent.

Why Order the 3RT2016-1AP01 from LeadTime.ca

  • LeadTime.ca ships worldwide — no geographic restrictions on orders for Siemens SIRIUS contactor variants including uncommon coil suffix options
  • The team can confirm specific suffix availability (coil voltage variants) before you commit to an order, preventing procurement delays on hard-to-find configurations
  • Volume pricing is available for multi-unit panel builds and OEM orders — contact directly for project quantities
  • Fast response on lead time inquiries — useful when a replacement contactor is needed to minimize production downtime
  • Sourcing support for the full SIRIUS 3RT2 family including companion overload relays, auxiliary contact blocks, and larger frame variants

At-a-Glance Summary

  • Siemens 3RT2016-1AP01 is a Size S00, 3-pole SIRIUS contactor rated 22A in AC-1 service and 9A in AC-3 service at 400V
  • AC-3 power rating: 4 kW at 400V and 5.5 kW at 690V — suitable for standard small motor applications
  • AC-4 ratings: 4.1A at 400V / 3.3A at 690V with approximately 200,000-cycle electrical life
  • Coil voltage selectable from 24V to 690V DC or AC via model suffix (-8K for DC, -8CK for AC)
  • Operating temperature range: -25°C to 60°C; current derating applies above 40°C ambient
  • Short-time withstand current: 155A at 1 second (cold state, zero current) — upstream branch protection is always required
  • DIN rail mounting with screw terminals; minimum 4 mm² wire for 22A AC-1 at 40°C ambient
  • Compliant with IEC 60947-4-1, UL, and CSA standards for industrial control applications
  • Maximum switching frequency: 1,000 cycles/hour (AC-1), 750 cycles/hour (AC-3), 250 cycles/hour (AC-4)
  • Auxiliary contacts not included in base model — order separately as required for interlocking and signaling