Siemens 3RW5236-6TC04 SIRIUS Soft Starter 171 A 200-480 V

New 
On request
Refurbished   
On request
Want to exchange a faulty product?
Receive a discount on your purchase when you turn in a faulty product. Upon receipt, we will check the product to determine its eligibility according to the terms and conditions.
Repair  
Available
We can repair this product for you.
 

Product Information

Product Family: SIRIUS 3RW52 | Series: SIRIUS 3RW5

The Siemens 3RW5236-6TC04 is a 2-phase controlled motor soft starter from the SIRIUS 3RW52 family, designed for smooth starting and stopping of three-phase asynchronous motors. Operating on a main voltage range of 200 V AC to 480 V AC with a 24 V AC/DC control supply, this unit supports a rated operational current of 171 A in standard inline connections (90 kW at 400 V) and up to 296 A in inside-delta configurations (160 kW at 400 V). Main power and control wiring are connected via secure screw terminals. An integrated internal bypass contact system automatically bridges the power semiconductors once top speed is reached, minimizing cabinet heat generation and power losses during steady-state operation.

Integrating a replacement 3RW5236-6TC04 into an existing panel requires aligning motor parameters and wiring control interfaces appropriately. The unit features two digital inputs, three digital relay outputs, a direct thermistor motor protection input for PTC sensors, and one switchable analog output (0-10 V or 4-20 mA) for operational current monitoring. Commissioning can be carried out locally or engineered within TIA Portal V15 or higher using SIRIUS Soft Starter ES software. Optional plug-in communication modules from the SIRIUS 3RW59 series allow direct network integration over PROFINET, PROFIBUS, Modbus, or EtherNet/IP, while optional 3RW5 HMI operator panels provide on-device parameter management. ABC Industrial Parts can assist maintenance teams with sourcing exact replacement hardware and parameter alignment to speed up site restoration.

Real-time operational monitoring and rapid fault diagnostics on the 3RW5236-6TC04 are facilitated by front-panel LED status indicators, including RN/ER, STATE/BYPASS, and DEVICE/CHG. When troubleshooting active trips, the soft starter reports faults such as line phase failure, phase imbalance, motor thermal overload, thermistor over-temperature, missing load current, or control supply voltage errors. First-line checks should always include verifying main supply fuses, line voltage balance, control power level, motor thermistor continuity, and terminal block torque. If diagnostics reveal internal semiconductor breakdowns, such as a thyristor short circuit or a welded internal bypass contactor failure, the hardware cannot be repaired in the field, and swapping in a tested replacement unit from ABC Industrial Parts offers the most dependable solution to minimize machine downtime.

Technical Specifications

ManufacturerSiemens
Part Number3RW5236-6TC04
Model / TypeSIRIUS 3RW52 Soft Starter
Product FamilySIRIUS 3RW52
Component TypeSoft Starter
Rated Operational Current (Inline)171 A
Rated Operational Current (Inside-Delta)296 A
Rated Power (Inline at 400V)90 kW
Rated Power (Inside-Delta at 400V)160 kW
Main Operational Voltage Range200 - 480 V AC
Control Supply Voltage24 V AC/DC
Control Method2-Phase Controlled
Bypass SystemIntegrated Internal Bypass
Digital Inputs2
Digital Relay Outputs3
Analog Outputs1 (Switchable 0-10 V / 4-20 mA)
Motor Thermal ProtectionIntegrated Thermistor Input (PTC)
Terminal Connection TypeScrew Connection

Programming and Configuration

Parameterization and commissioning of the Siemens 3RW5236-6TC04 soft starter can be performed using SIRIUS Soft Starter ES software integrated within TIA Portal V15 or higher. Through this engineering tool, technicians can configure current limits, ramp-up and ramp-down times, start parameters, and protection response curves tailored to specific motor loads.

The unit features a dedicated thermistor input for direct connection of motor PTC sensors, enabling integrated motor over-temperature monitoring without requiring external evaluation relays. Furthermore, the onboard analog output can be configured via parameters to output either a 0-10 V or 4-20 mA signal representing actual operational motor current.

For maintenance operations requiring parameter transfer without a PC, parameters can also be loaded and saved using optional SIRIUS 3RW5 operator panels, such as the HMI Standard (3RW5980-0HS00) or HMI High Feature (3RW5980-0HF00).

Communication and System Integration

The SIRIUS 3RW52 architecture supports modular fieldbus integration through an optional slot-in communication module interface. The 3RW5236-6TC04 can be equipped with various SIRIUS 3RW59 communication interface cards depending on factory network architecture.

Available interface options include PROFINET (3RW5980-0CS00), PROFIBUS (3RW5980-0CP00), Modbus TCP (3RW5980-0CT00), Modbus RTU (3RW5980-0CR00), and EtherNet/IP (3RW5980-0CE00). These modules allow the soft starter to transmit cyclic diagnostic telegrams, control state commands, and measure operational values back to the main PLC system.

Diagnostics and Status Indication

System diagnosis for the 3RW5236-6TC04 is available through several complementary diagnostic methods. Front-panel LED combinations provide immediate local feedback regarding control voltage status, motor operation, ramp state, and active fault conditions. Detailed error messages can also be read directly via an connected HMI display, over cyclic fieldbus diagnostic telegrams, or inside the SIRIUS Soft Starter ES online diagnostic window in TIA Portal.

Status LED Indicators

LEDColor/StatusMeaning
RN/ER (Run/Error)Green / Red - Solid / FlashingGreen = Soft starter ready and operational; Red / Flashing Red = Group fault or error active
STATE / BYPASSGreen - Solid / Flashing / OffGreen = Motor running in bypass mode (ramp finished); Flashing Green = Ramping up or down; Off = Motor off
DEVICE / CHGGreen / Red - Solid / OffGreen = Control supply voltage present; Off = No control supply voltage; Red = Internal hardware error / power stage trip

Replacement and Spare Part Considerations

When replacing an existing 3RW5236-6TC04 soft starter, verify that the line voltage (200-480 V AC) and control power supply (24 V AC/DC) match the existing installation. The 3RW5236-6TC04 model uses screw connections for main and control terminals, so wiring lug sizes and terminal tightening torques should be checked upon installation.

Ensure that optional communication modules (such as PROFINET or PROFIBUS) and HMI panels are transferred from the old device to the replacement unit prior to power-up. Network addresses or fieldbus configuration stored on the communication module or soft starter must be verified in the control program.

Certain severe fault conditions, such as a thyristor short circuit or internal bypass contactor failure, indicate permanent hardware damage on the power board. In these situations, field repair of the internal power semiconductors is not possible, and complete unit replacement is required.

Error Codes & Fault Codes

The following error codes may be displayed during operation or diagnostics:

CodeNameDescriptionPossible CauseRecommended Action
Phase supply failure / Line failurePhase Angle / Line Supply MissingOne or more operational voltage phases are missing or out of standard tolerance range.Blown line fuse, disconnected mains phase, or line voltage under minimum threshold.Check supply line fuses, measure phase voltages, verify main supply wiring.
Phase imbalanceAsymmetrical Phase SupplyUnbalanced voltage or current between operational supply phases.Asymmetrical load, high phase voltage imbalance, or bad connection on line phase.Check supply voltage balance and terminal connections on main circuit terminals.
Motor thermal overload tripMotor Overload Protection TripCalculated motor temperature exceeds thermal limit based on motor overload model.Mechanical overload, extended acceleration time, under-dimensioned motor.Allow motor to cool, verify mechanical load, check overload parameters and current settings.
Thermistor motor protection tripThermistor Input Over-Temperature TripThermistor sensor circuit registered high PTC resistance indicating motor overheating.Motor overheating, inadequate motor cooling fan operation, defective PTC sensor or open sensor wiring.Check motor operating temperature, motor cooling, and PTC sensor continuity.
Bypass contact faultInternal Bypass Contactor FailureInternal bypass contact failed to close or remained welded open/closed.Worn or welded internal bypass relay contacts, high short-circuit current.Internal hardware failure — replace the soft starter unit.
Thyristor short circuit / defectThyristor Hardware FaultInternal power semiconductor thyristor failure or short circuit detected.Thyristor breakdown due to overvoltage spike, thermal overload, or short circuit on output.Internal hardware failure — unit is not field-repairable; replace the soft starter unit.
Missing load currentNo Motor Load ConnectedCurrent draw is below minimal detection threshold when command given.Motor cable disconnected, motor circuit breaker open, or motor rating far below soft starter threshold.Check motor wiring and main contacts between soft starter and motor.
Control supply voltage errorControl Voltage Out of Range24 V AC/DC control voltage supply is out of operating limits.Defective 24 V power supply, voltage dip on control circuit, overloaded control power supply.Check 24 V AC/DC power supply source and control supply voltage wiring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What power and current ratings does the Siemens 3RW5236-6TC04 soft starter support?

The Siemens 3RW5236-6TC04 supports a rated operational current of 171 A in standard inline connections (90 kW at 400 V) and up to 296 A in inside-delta configurations (160 kW at 400 V) across line voltages from 200 V AC to 480 V AC.

What control voltage is required for the 3RW5236-6TC04?

The unit requires a 24 V AC/DC control supply voltage to operate its internal control circuitry and relays.

Which software tool is used to parameterize the SIRIUS 3RW5236-6TC04?

The starter can be parameterized and diagnosed using SIRIUS Soft Starter ES software integrated within Siemens TIA Portal V15 or higher.

Which fieldbus protocols can be added to the 3RW5236-6TC04?

By installing optional SIRIUS 3RW59 communication modules, the soft starter supports PROFINET (3RW5980-0CS00), PROFIBUS (3RW5980-0CP00), Modbus TCP (3RW5980-0CT00), Modbus RTU (3RW5980-0CR00), and EtherNet/IP (3RW5980-0CE00).

What does a red or flashing red DEVICE LED indicate on the soft starter?

A solid or flashing red DEVICE LED indicates an internal hardware fault, power stage trip, or control voltage supply error.

Can internal bypass contact or thyristor faults be repaired on site?

No. Thyristor defects and internal bypass contactor failures represent internal hardware damage that cannot be serviced in the field; the soft starter unit must be replaced.

Take advantage of our exchange formula

A defective product does not have to be worthless. At ABC Industrial Parts, you can hand in defective products and immediately benefit from a discount on your new purchase. This is a smart way to save money while contributing to a circular economy.

Play it safe with our warranty conditions

Industrial plants prefer to keep running invariably, no matter what. Therefore, it is essential that you can rely on high-quality products and/or sustainable repairs. With our warranty conditions, you can count on certainty, whether you choose new, used or repaired products.​​​​​​​

Data backup and recovery

Have you lost valuable parameters or data due to a malfunction while the manufacturer no longer provides support? At ABC Industrial Parts, we help you secure this data, both for common and specific products.

Specific firmware and hardware versions

If you are working with specific hardware or firmware versions that are no longer available from the manufacturer, ABC Industrial Parts is your partner. When making your enquiry, clearly state which versions you need, we will then look at the possibilities of supplying those versions, so that your installations continue to function optimally.


Disclaimer:
We are not an authorised distributor of Siemens.
Product photos are for illustration purposes only and may differ from the actual product delivered.
Some of the content on this page was created with the help of AI. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, errors may occur.