Siemens strengthens electrical safety with new semiconductor circuit protection devices

Siemens Smart Infrastructure has introduced advancements in industrial control and protection, integrating semiconductor-based switching and circular economy principles into its power distribution and motor control portfolios. These technologies address requirements for increased system uptime and reduced carbon footprints in high-demand sectors such as data centers and manufacturing.

Semiconductor-Based Circuit Protection with Integrated Monitoring
The SENTRON Electronic Circuit Protection Device (ECPD) utilizes semiconductor technology to achieve switching speeds up to 1,000 times faster than conventional mechanical breakers. By minimizing short-circuit energy, the device prevents damage to sensitive downstream equipment. This high-speed response is coupled with a compact design that reduces distribution board space requirements by 80 percent through the consolidation of more than ten functionalities into a single unit.

A new single-phase version of the ECPD integrates a Residual Current Monitoring (RCM) function. This allows for the continuous detection of leakage currents without interrupting operations, facilitating early fault diagnosis. In industrial applications where constant availability is critical — such as exhibition lighting or automated production lines — this capability can replace manual, recurring insulation tests, thereby streamlining maintenance workflows.

To support high-voltage industrial applications, a three-phase version rated for 400V/32A/50 Hz is currently on the development roadmap. This expansion targets heavy-duty infrastructure including conveyor systems, elevators, and large-scale heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units.

Circular Economy Integration in Motor Control
At the Light & Building 2026 trade fair (March 8–13, 2026, Frankfurt), Siemens showcased the SIRIUS 3RW5 -Z R11, a refurbished soft starter developed under circular design principles. By utilizing a controlled refurbishment process, the device achieves a CO₂ footprint reduction of approximately 50 percent compared to newly manufactured units.




The refurbishment protocol involves testing used devices, replacing critical wear components, and verifying performance against the standards required for new hardware. This ensures that the refurbished units are fully compatible with existing installations in terms of parameterization and mechanical footprint. While CE certification is already secured, CCC, UL/CSA, and ATEX certifications are currently pending.

Data Architecture and Traceability
The SIRIUS 3RW5 -Z R11 is designed to support the automotive data ecosystem and broader industrial transparency through digital traceability. Each device features an ID Link — a unique QR code — that provides access to lifecycle data.

To comply with the European Union’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), Siemens is developing a data architecture utilizing the Asset Administration Shell (AAS) and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). This framework is intended to create a Digital Product Passport (DPP), providing audit-proof records of the device’s first and second life cycles. This integration of hardware and digital twins enables more precise resource management within the digital supply chain, allowing operators to track the environmental impact and technical history of their infrastructure components.

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