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Oct 14, 2024

Schneider Electric: Innovating Energy Safety for 100 Years | Energy Magazine

Safety in consumer energy is crucial, and has undergone extraordinary developments since electricity became commonplace in households in the early to mid twentieth century. Since its creation a

Safety in consumer energy is crucial, and has undergone extraordinary developments since electricity became commonplace in households in the early to mid twentieth century.

Since its creation a century ago, the miniature circuit breaker has been a pivotal part of energy safety in homes and commercially.

Miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) are essential safety devices in modern electrical systems.

MCBs protect both lives and assets by automatically interrupting electrical circuits during overloads or short circuits and have revolutionised home and industrial electrical safety since their introduction in the 1920s.

As Schneider Electric puts it, “A circuit breaker is like a traffic cop for electricity. It's a device designed to protect your electrical circuits from overloads and short circuits, which could lead to fires or damage your appliances. Just like a traffic cop stops cars to prevent accidents, a circuit breaker stops the flow of electricity when things go wrong in your electrical system.”

MCBs have evolved significantly from the first arc-less enclosed fuse in 1905 to today's smart panels that protect renewable energy systems and electric vehicles. Key innovations include quick-open mechanisms, residual current detection, and arc fault detection.

Modern MCBs also incorporate sustainability elements including energy monitoring capabilities and use recycled materials, reflecting a growing focus on sustainability and energy efficiency in the electrical industry.

“Schneider Electric is committed to driving innovation and accelerating sustainability, with a purpose firmly rooted in these values,” explains Denis Marant, Senior Vice-President, International HUB for Home and Distribution at Schneider Electric.

“We are constantly working with home builders, electricians and even designers to provide the best digital technologies for our ever-changing world. Schneider Electric prioritises safety for end-users and development stages.

“Specialised safety products like Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs), Surge Protection Devices (SPDs), and Arc Fault Detection devices (AFDDs) ensure maximum safety for electrical panels by preventing power wastage, electrocution, power surge damage, and electrical fires caused by faulty appliances and circuits.

“Schneider Electric offers a range of RCCB, SPD and AFDD products to ensure all round electrical protection, such as The Easy9 and Resi9 ranges and the Acti9 Active is a family of all-in-one protection devices with in-built residual circuit devices, miniature circuit breakers, and AFDDs.”

The last century has seen a myriad of development since the creation of the miniature circuit breaker, as outlined by Schneider Electric:

1881: Schneider Electric participates in the International Fair of Electricity in Paris, marking its entry into the electrical industry.

1897: Schneider Electric establishes a dedicated subsidiary in Champagne-sur-Seine, France, to address the emerging electrical market.

1905: World premiere of the first arc-less enclosed fuse in the United States.

1924: Creation of the household Miniature Circuit Breaker, making home electricity safer.

1936: First residential breaker by Square D and the first multi-breaker panel board introduced.

1946: World premiere of the first circuit breaker able to cut a short-circuit of 10,000 A sine 15,000 V.

1951: Square D launches the first plug-in type circuit breaker distribution panel board.

1965: Schneider Electric introduces the Quick-Open circuit breaker & panel, the fastest opening breakers in the industry.

1970s: Introduction of the Surge Protection Device for households.

1980s: Introduction of the Residual Current Device to safeguard people against electrocution.

2000s: Introduction of the Arc Fault Detection Device.

2018: Introduction of PowerTag, the smallest energy sensor in the world.

2020s: Introduction of the Type B and F breakers, protecting EVs and heat pumps.

2023: Resi9 Green made from 50% recycled materials, produced from end-of-life lines.

2024: Schneider Electric launches the first smart panel to protect renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and heat pumps.

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