Siemens 3RT2346-1AP00 SIRIUS Power Contactor AC-1, 140A, 4-Pole, 230V AC, S3 Screw Terminal Original Brand New

Overview

The Siemens 3RT2346-1AP00 is a high-performance SIRIUS power contactor, engineered to meet the demanding requirements of industrial applications. Part of the renowned Siemens 3RT23 series, this 4-pole contactor is specifically optimized for AC-1 category duties, making it ideal for switching resistive loads, heating circuits, or non-inductive loads in various control and power distribution systems. Its compact Size S3 design, combined with robust construction and versatile connection options, makes it a preferred choice for reliable electrical switching.

Benefit

• Reliable Performance: Designed for AC-1 applications, ensuring stable and safe switching of resistive and non-inductive loads.
• High Current Capacity: With a 140A rating, it can handle significant power demands in industrial settings.
• Integrated Auxiliary Contacts: The built-in 1 NO + 1 NC contacts provide immediate feedback and control options for interlocking or signaling.
• Robust Construction: Built to Siemens’ rigorous quality standards, ensuring long operational life and durability in harsh environments.
• Easy Installation: Screw terminals offer straightforward and secure wiring, facilitating quick setup and maintenance.
• Versatile Application: Suitable for disconnecting loads, managing power generation plants, and transfer switching.
• Expandability: Compatible with a range of Siemens SIRIUS accessories, allowing for tailored solutions (e.g., additional auxiliary switches, surge suppressors).

Function

The Siemens 3RT2346-1AP00 contactor primarily functions as an electrically operated switch for power circuits. Its key functions include:

• Switching AC-1 Loads: Efficiently makes and breaks circuits for resistive or non-inductive loads such as heating elements, lighting, or distribution circuits.
• Main Circuit Control: Controls the flow of high current to connected equipment or systems.
• Auxiliary Signaling: The integrated auxiliary contacts provide a signal indicating the contactor’s operational state (open or closed) to control systems or for interlocking purposes.
• Integration into Load Feeders: Can be combined with overload relays (e.g., 3RU2 thermal or 3RB3 electronic) and circuit breakers to form comprehensive motor feeders, though this specific model is primarily for AC-1 applications.

Technical Details & Protection

Standards Compliance: Complies with international standards: IEC 60947-1 (General rules), IEC 60947-4-1 (Contactors and motor-starters), and IEC 60947-5-1 (Control circuit devices and switching elements, specifically for auxiliary switches).

Protection of Device Connections:

• Main Connections (Short-circuit & Overload): Proper protection against short circuits and overloads is crucial. Refer to the technical product data sheet for free-standing contactor protection. For device combinations (e.g., with overload relay or circuit breaker as a motor feeder), consult the Digital Configuration Manual for load feeders or the Configuration Manual for load feeders.
• Auxiliary Connections (Short-circuit & Overload): Information on protecting auxiliary contacts can be found in the technical product data sheet.
• Control Supply Voltage Connections (Short-circuit & Overload): Adherence to relevant standards for control panel configuration and cable dimensioning is essential. Possible protection includes using a current-limiting power supply. Load characteristics (inrush current, switch-on power, holding power) must be considered when selecting power sources and protection devices. If other switching elements like overload relay auxiliary contacts are in the circuit, their short-circuit protection requirements must also be met. Refer to the “Control panel tip – Selecting and dimensioning suitable power supplies quickly and reliably” for further recommendations.
• Overvoltage Protection (Control Supply Voltage): 3RT23 contactors (like the 3RT2346-1AP00) can be retrofitted with surge suppressors (RC elements, varistors, diodes, or diode assemblies) to dampen opening surges in the coil. These accessories must be ordered separately. Note that damping increases contactor break times and the delay times of NO contacts and NC contacts. Consult the Equipment Manual for detailed information on how damping influences time response.

Connection Methods:

• Main Circuit: This 3RT234 contactor utilizes robust screw terminals with a box terminal for secure main circuit connections. Direct connection to the connecting bar with cable lugs is possible by removing the box terminal.
• Auxiliary and Control Circuit: Features reliable screw terminals for easy and secure wiring of auxiliary and control circuits.

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): The contactor fulfills requirements for environment category A, ensuring stable operation in typical industrial environments. When used with frequency converters, specific configuration notes in the Equipment Manual must be observed.

Contact Reliability of Auxiliary Contacts: The auxiliary contacts of 3RT23 contactors offer high contact reliability, especially suitable for switching low voltages (≤ 110 V) and low currents (≤ 100 mA). They are particularly effective for solid-state circuits with currents ≥ 1 mA at 17 V and higher.

Motor Protection (Note: While this is an AC-1 contactor, it can be part of broader systems): For protection against overload, 3RU2 thermal overload relays or 3RB3 electronic overload relays can be mounted onto 3RT23 contactors, creating a comprehensive motor feeder solution if required for other applications.

Operating Mechanism Types: The 3RT23 series contactors are available with conventional AC or DC operating mechanisms, or wide-range solid-state operating mechanisms. The 3RT2346-1AP00 features a 230 V AC, 50 Hz operating mechanism, controlled via the A1-A2 control supply voltage connection.

Replacing Components: For 3RT23 contactors, solenoid coil replacement is possible. For 3RT233 contactors, contacts can be replaced. (Specific details for 3RT2346-1AP00 regarding contact replacement should be confirmed with the technical product data sheet).

Auxiliary Contact Fitting and Expansion: The 3RT2346-1AP00, as a 3RT234 contactor, comes with two integrated auxiliary contacts (1 NO + 1 NC) as supplied. All basic units can be expanded with additional auxiliary switches, adhering to permissible configurations. For detailed information on fitting auxiliary switches for 3RT23 contactors, refer to “Auxiliary switches, instantaneous → Overview.”

Accessories and Spare Parts: A wide range of accessories and spare parts are available for SIRIUS 3RT2 contactors, including surge suppressors, additional auxiliary switches, and various connection options. Consult the “Accessories and spare parts for SIRIUS 3RT2 contactors and SIRIUS 3RH2 contactor relays” for compatible items.

Application

The Siemens 3RT2346-1AP00 contactor is ideally suited for:

• Four-pole switching of weak or non-inductive loads (AC-1): Perfect for resistive heating, lighting circuits, or capacitive loads where continuous current is the primary concern.
• Disconnecting loads or power generation plants from the grid: Used as a reliable isolation device.
• Transfer switching: Facilitates switching between different power sources or loads.
• While primarily for AC-1, Siemens also offers special versions of 3RT23 contactors for switching motor-driven loads (AC-3) if that specific application is needed.

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