Siemens’ Siemens Smart Infrastructure has announced major upgrades to its industrial control and protection portfolio, introducing new capabilities for its semiconductor-based SENTRON Electronic Circuit Protection Device (ECPD) and launching its first circular-economy product—the SIRIUS 3RW5 -Z R11 refurbished soft starter.
The new developments are designed to help industrial operators strengthen electrical safety, improve system availability and reduce their environmental footprint.
First introduced in 2024, the SENTRON ECPD is the world’s first semiconductor-based electronic circuit protection device. It delivers switching speeds up to 1,000 times faster than conventional systems, significantly reducing short-circuit energy and protecting sensitive infrastructure.
The device combines more than 10 configurable functions in a single unit, cutting distribution board space requirements by up to 80 percent while allowing flexible software-based configuration.
In its next phase, Siemens will release a single-phase standalone version of the SENTRON ECPD equipped with an integrated Residual Current Monitoring (RCM) function. The system continuously tracks residual currents, enabling early detection of electrical faults without shutting down operations.
The feature is expected to benefit data centres, exhibition venues, lighting installations and industrial facilities, where uninterrupted operation and high safety standards are critical. By enabling continuous monitoring, the RCM capability can also replace complex routine inspections and streamline maintenance.
Siemens is also planning a three-phase version of the SENTRON ECPD for high-voltage systems operating at 400V/32A/50 Hz. The model will target infrastructure and industrial applications such as conveyor belts, elevators, heat pumps, air-conditioning systems, 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 at 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.”
In a parallel push toward sustainability, Siemens will debut the low-carbon SIRIUS 3RW5 -Z R11 refurbished soft starter at the Light + Building 2026 trade fair.
The product is created through a controlled refurbishment process that reconditions used soft starters. According to Siemens, the approach reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 50 percent compared with manufacturing a new device, largely due to lower resource consumption. The process is documented through Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
During refurbishment, used units undergo extensive testing, with critical components replaced before final performance verification. Siemens says the resulting device is technically equivalent to a new product, with full compatibility in installation, parameterization and functionality.
The refurbished soft starter carries CE certification, while CCC, UL/CSA and ATEX approvals are currently pending.
“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,” Andreas Matthé added.
