Championing safety on rail: Schaltbau introduces new mobility innovations at InnoTrans 2026
New HV connector and MDR 500 rotary disconnect switch for flexible power supply and safe maintenance
Schaltbau, a global leader in DC technology, will unveil two new products for safer, more resilient rail mobility at InnoTrans 2026, the leading international trade fair for transport technology: the HV, a high-performance plug-in connector for reliable AC power transmission to rail vehicles via the three-phase AC train busbar, and the MDR 500, a manual high-voltage rotary disconnect switch for safely isolating traction batteries and other HV circuits during service and maintenance. InnoTrans takes place from September 22–25, 2026, at Messe Berlin.
“Rail is becoming more connected, more electrified and more flexible – but none of this matters if the underlying technology cannot deliver reliable performance every day. The next generation of rail mobility needs both smarter systems and robust electrical interfaces that keep trains running safely and efficiently,” says Helmut Pusch, CEO of Schaltbau GmbH Group. “This is where we see our role: combining decades of railway expertise with our customers’ application knowledge to develop solutions for the real-world challenges of modern mobility. Our new HV connector is an example of this approach, designed to make rail vehicles more flexible, resilient and easier to maintain.”
HV connector – Flexible power supply for greater train availability
The HV is a plug-in connector for reliable AC power transmission via the three-phase AC train busbar in rail vehicles. Developed for and in collaboration with a major rail OEM, it provides a pluggable 3×400 V connection with continuous currents greater than 250 A, enabling a flexible and reliable power supply to individual coaches.
If a coach’s connection to the train busbar or its onboard power converter fail, the affected coach can be supplied with power from an adjacent coach. By creating redundancy in the train’s power network, the HV connector enables essential onboard functions such as lighting and air conditioning to remain operational. Hence, the coach does not need to be taken out of service immediately and remains operational until it reaches the depot or, potentially, until its next scheduled maintenance.
At the same time, the plug-in connection requires minimal effort, enabling convenient one-handed operation. This makes it easier to disconnect, remove or add coaches and provides greater flexibility during maintenance. The HV can also be used to supply parked trains in depots and stabling facilities with AC auxiliary power, including for battery charging, when the regular power supply via the catenary is unavailable or not in use.
MDR 500 rotary disconnect switch – Safer, simpler high-voltage isolation
With the MDR 500, Schaltbau debuts a manual high-voltage rotary disconnect switch designed to safely isolate traction batteries and other HV circuits during service and maintenance. It combines intuitive rotary operation with features that support safer maintenance, including a padlock option to prevent unauthorized or accidental switching and integrated auxiliary switches for position feedback to the vehicle control system. Based on the proven switch contact design of Schaltbau’s MD 500 and available in modular single- and multi-pole configurations, the MDR 500 enables flexible integration into different high-voltage electrical and battery architectures and delivers reliable operation in demanding environments.
Further highlights from Schaltbau’s comprehensive rail portfolio for day and night trains include its CP and CF high-power rail contactors, PAD 41 emergency brake handle, R400 relay, and snap-action and toggle switches. Together with its brand SPII, Schaltbau will also showcase railway devices and cockpit solutions, including intelligent interfaces for safe and intuitive interaction.
Visitors to InnoTrans 2026 can discover Schaltbau’s solutions for safer, more reliable and flexible rail mobility at Hall 2.2, Stand 110. The company’s team of experts will demonstrate its technologies, answer questions, and discuss how Schaltbau’s solutions can be tailored to customers’ specific requirements.
InnoTrans will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026 as the world’s leading international trade fair for transport technology. Schaltbau has been a founding partner of the event from the outset. The 15th edition will focus on rail technology, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, sustainable mobility, and innovative night-train concepts.
About Schaltbau
Schaltbau is a global leader in DC power solutions, specializing in products and solutions that drive electrification across industries. With a broad portfolio of contactors, connectors, switches, and safety components, Schaltbau has been helping partners and customers solve challenges in rail for generations. Building on this legacy with its new brand Eddicy, they also develop cutting-edge solutions designed to meet the highest standards of safety and reliability for switching and protecting DC applications in energy and e-mobility. Headquartered in Munich, Germany, and supported by a global team of over 1,000 employees, Schaltbau continues to shape the future of electrification with nearly a century of expertise.