Siemens boosts circuit protection with circular soft starter
Siemens Smart Infrastructure is expanding its semiconductor-based circuit protection range and adding a refurbished soft starter designed around circular economy principles.
The update focuses on the SENTRON Electronic Circuit Protection Device (ECPD) and a circular version of the SIRIUS 3RW5 soft starter. The announcements cover industrial electrical safety, equipment availability and sustainability claims.
Circuit protection
Siemens introduced the SENTRON ECPD in 2024. The device uses semiconductor technology for electronic switching and is positioned as an alternative to conventional protection devices in industrial distribution boards.
The ECPD can switch up to 1,000 times faster than traditional approaches, according to the company, reducing short-circuit energy. It combines more than 10 configurable functions in a single device, uses software-based parameterisation, and can cut distribution-board space requirements by 80%.
A single-phase ECPD will soon be available as a standalone product with integrated Residual Current Monitoring (RCM). RCM continuously monitors residual currents and can identify faults in electrical circuits without interrupting operations.
Siemens says the added monitoring suits installations with high safety requirements and availability targets, including data centres, exhibition sites, lighting systems and industrial environments.
The RCM feature also targets maintenance. Siemens says it can replace complex, recurring inspections and simplify maintenance procedures in some applications.
A three-phase version is also on the roadmap for 400V, 32A, 50 Hz systems. Siemens expects it to offer the same functions as the existing product.
Planned use cases include infrastructure and industrial equipment such as conveyor belts, lifts, heat pumps and air conditioning systems, as well as temporary and event power distribution, and UPS systems.
"Siemens is leveraging advanced semiconductor technology to redefine industry standards in circuit protection," said Andreas Matthé, CEO Electrical Products, Siemens Smart Infrastructure.
"Our SENTRON ECPD is testament to this leadership, offering unparalleled speed, precision, and a compact design that ensures maximum operational uptime and protection for our customers' infrastructure," Matthé said.
Circular soft starter
Siemens is also introducing what it describes as its first product designed according to circular economy principles: the SIRIUS 3RW5 -Z R11 refurbished soft starter. The company plans to show it at the Light + Building 2026 trade fair.
The refurbished unit comes from a controlled process using used soft starters and typically reduces CO2 emissions by up to 50% compared with a new device, due to lower resource consumption.
The process includes testing used devices and replacing critical components. Siemens says all functions are tested to the same quality standard as new devices and that the refurbished soft starter is technically equivalent to a new one.
According to Siemens, the refurbished model is fully compatible in installation, parameterisation and functionality, supporting integration with existing equipment and engineering workflows.
Siemens says the devices have CE certification, with CCC, UL/CSA and ATEX certifications pending.
On environmental claims, Siemens says the refurbishment process is transparently documented with Environmental Product Declarations.
Matthé linked the launch to Siemens' sustainability and resource-efficiency goals.
"The new offering underscores Siemens' commitment to innovation, sustainability, and resource efficiency in industrial applications. With our SIRIUS 3RW5 -Z R11 refurbished soft starter, customers get a refurbished product that performs as well as a new one, providing a dependable and environmentally friendly option," he said.
Siemens says the SIRIUS 3RW5 -Z R11 is modular, supports dismantling and repair, and uses identifiable components to enable refurbishment. It is also described as a smart device that provides usage and condition data from its first life cycle, which can guide remanufacturing for a second life.
The company has added an "ID Link" QR code for traceability across both the first-life and second-life product. It is also developing a data architecture using Asset Administration Shell and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT:IOTA), which it links to a future Digital Product Passport aligned with the EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.
Next steps include the release of the standalone single-phase ECPD with integrated Residual Current Monitoring, further development of the three-phase ECPD for 400V applications, and the market debut of the refurbished SIRIUS 3RW5 -Z R11 soft starter.