Unplanned electrical outages pose a considerable challenge to businesses, resulting in significant financial losses and operational disruptions. A robust and dependable panel board is crucial to minimize these risks and ensure the continued operation of commercial buildings. Annually, downtime events impact the bottom line significantly.
Schneider Electric provides a comprehensive suite of innovative panel boards tailored for the unique demands of commercial buildings. These solutions enhance safety, energy efficiency, and dependability while simplifying installation and maintenance. This article delves into the Schneider Electric solutions, their advantages, and applications in diverse commercial building contexts.
An overview of schneider electric panel board solutions
Schneider Electric offers a wide array of panel boards to address the diverse requirements of commercial buildings. These solutions are categorized according to voltage, application type, and technical specifications, allowing for optimal selection for each project. This section provides an overview of the main product lines and innovations from Schneider Electric.
Product segmentation
Schneider Electric product segmentation considers various criteria to meet the requirements of different installations and building types. Voltage is a primary factor, with Low Voltage (LV) solutions for general distribution and Medium Voltage (MV) options for large complexes requiring higher power. Application type is another key consideration, with main distribution panels for general power, secondary panels for local distribution, and control panels for specific uses. Finally, technical specifications such as modularity, robustness, and smart capabilities enable selection of a solution suited to specific project constraints.
- Voltage: Low Voltage (LV) and Medium Voltage (MV) solutions.
- Application Type: Main distribution, secondary distribution, and control panels.
- Technical Specifications: Modular, fixed, and smart (with communication & monitoring).
Flagship product lines
Schneider Electric’s portfolio includes a variety of prominent panel boards, each designed with specific features and functionality to address the diverse needs of commercial buildings. Among the most popular are Acti 9 Isobar, PrismaSeT, and Okken, all engineered to maximize the safety, energy performance, and dependability of electrical distribution systems.
- Acti 9 Isobar: Modular panel board with enhanced safety and streamlined wiring, ideal for small to medium-sized installations.
- PrismaSeT: Robust and adaptable power panel designed for demanding environments.
- Okken: High-performance LV power distribution solution tailored for industrial and commercial applications needing exceptional reliability.
Innovation and technology
Schneider Electric commits significantly to research and development to deliver cutting-edge panel board solutions. Smart Panel technology, eco-design principles, and embedded safety features are innovations enhancing the performance, sustainability, and safety of electrical systems.
| Technology | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Panel | Integration of sensors, communication, and data analytics for Industrial Control Panels. | Optimized energy management, predictive maintenance, and reduced costs. |
| Eco-Design | Use of sustainable materials and environmentally conscious manufacturing processes. | Reduced environmental footprint and compliance with environmental standards. |
| Embedded Safety | Advanced safety measures including arc flash protection. | Protection of personnel and equipment, reducing the risk of accidents. |
Benefits and applications of schneider electric solutions
Schneider Electric panel boards provide several benefits related to safety, energy performance, dependability, and ease of installation and servicing. These advantages translate to significant financial gains and enhance overall commercial building performance.
Enhanced safety
Safety is paramount in commercial buildings, and Schneider Electric panel boards are engineered to provide maximum protection. Arc flash protection, enhanced insulation, and adherence to stringent safety standards contribute to a decreased risk of accidents and material damage.
- Arc Flash Protection: Reduces the risk of arc flash events and their devastating consequences.
- Enhanced Insulation: Increases safety for operators and maintenance staff.
- Safety Standard Compliance: Conforms to international standards like IEC and UL.
For example, a shopping center recently upgraded to Schneider Electric panel boards with integrated arc flash mitigation. The facility’s safety record has significantly improved with the new systems in place.
Optimized energy performance
Schneider Electric intelligent panel boards allow real-time monitoring and control of energy consumption. This provides the capability to identify energy waste and implement corrective actions. Integration with Building Management Systems (BMS) enables optimization of energy use across the entire building.
- Real-Time Energy Monitoring: Tracks energy usage in real-time.
- Waste Identification: Detects areas of energy overuse.
- Building Management System Integration: Optimizes energy consumption building-wide.
An office building implemented Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Power Management solution and integrated smart panel boards. This action significantly lowered the building’s power demand, leading to considerable energy cost savings.
Increased reliability and availability
The robustness and durability of Schneider Electric panel boards ensure a reliable and continuous power supply. Predictive maintenance capabilities, enabled by sensors and data analytics, anticipate failures and minimize downtime. Implementing Predictive Maintenance Electrical Systems offers long-term cost savings.
- Robust and Durable Design: High-quality materials and rigorous manufacturing processes.
- Predictive Maintenance: Anticipation of failures and proactive servicing.
- Reduced Downtime: Streamlined maintenance and modular design.
A hospital installed Schneider Electric panel boards featuring predictive maintenance capabilities. This enabled the organization to reduce power outage events, improving patient care and reducing operational disruption.
Simplified installation and maintenance
The modular design of Schneider Electric panel boards eases installation, configuration, and servicing. Component accessibility and configuration/diagnostic tools simplify maintenance operations and reduce related costs.
- Modular Design: Simplifies installation, configuration, and maintenance.
- Accessibility: Easy access to components for servicing.
- Diagnostic and Configuration Tools: Streamlines commissioning, configuration, and diagnostics.
An electrical contracting company reported a reduced installation time thanks to the modularity of Schneider Electric solutions. Simplification helps trim installation expenses and improve job productivity.
Integration with the schneider electric EcoStruxure
Integration of Schneider Electric panel boards with EcoStruxure offers a holistic, connected energy management solution for commercial buildings. This enables smarter, more efficient, safer, and sustainable buildings.
Ecostruxure and smart buildings
EcoStruxure, the open IoT-enabled system architecture and platform from Schneider Electric, connects panel boards to other building systems, such as lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). This provides centralized, optimized energy management, enhancing energy performance and occupant comfort.
Associated services
Schneider Electric provides a range of related services from design to maintenance, including installation and commissioning. These services allow clients to benefit from tailored support and technical expertise during the entire lifecycle of their systems.
Practical applications and client testimonials
The efficacy of Schneider Electric panel boards is illustrated by practical applications and client testimonials, demonstrating how these solutions improve safety, energy use, and reliability in commercial buildings.
Real-world examples
Schneider Electric panel boards are utilized in varied commercial buildings such as offices, shopping centers, hospitals, hotels, and data centers. In each case, Schneider Electric solutions adapt to the unique requirements of the building, ensuring optimized performance.
| Building Type | Schneider Electric Solution | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Shopping Center | Panels with arc flash protection | Enhanced safety and decreased incident risks. |
| Office Building | Smart panels integrated with a BMS | Reduction in energy consumption. |
| Hospital | Panels with predictive maintenance | Lowered power outage events, improving patient care. |
Environmental considerations and sustainability
Schneider Electric commits to sustainability and environmental protection. Panel boards are eco-designed to reduce environmental impact and contribute to LEED certification for commercial buildings.
Eco-design and compliance
Eco-design is a core principle for Schneider Electric, striving to minimize the environmental effect of products throughout their lifecycles. This commitment translates to using recycled and recyclable materials, decreasing energy consumption during manufacturing, and designing durable and reliable products. Integrating eco-design principles helps create buildings more sustainable and respectful of the environment.
- Use of recycled and recyclable materials.
- Reduced carbon footprint during production.
- Extended product lifespan.
Schneider Electric utilizes bio-based plastics in some components, further reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The company also focuses on minimizing packaging waste and optimizing logistics to reduce transport-related emissions. Additionally, Schneider Electric actively participates in recycling programs to ensure end-of-life products are responsibly managed.
Contribution to LEED certification
Using Schneider Electric panel boards can contribute to obtaining LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for commercial buildings. The solutions meet LEED requirements for energy performance, water management, indoor air quality, and waste reduction. Choosing Schneider Electric highlights a commitment to sustainability and allows LEED recognition.
Specifically, Schneider Electric panel boards can contribute to LEED credits in areas such as Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality. By selecting panel boards with features like advanced metering, optimized energy performance, and use of sustainable materials, buildings can achieve a higher LEED rating.
Future trends and perspectives
The future of panel boards involves greater integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These technologies enable more proactive energy management, superior predictive servicing, and enhanced cyber protection. The integration of Industrial Control Panels will be essential for future optimization.
Evolution of smart panels
Next-gen smart panel boards analyze data in real-time, anticipate failures, and optimize energy use. Artificial intelligence and machine learning continuously improve panel performance and decrease operating costs.
Proactive energy management
Smart panel boards contribute to proactive energy use by anticipating demand spikes and optimizing power distribution. This reduces energy costs and minimizes the environmental impact of commercial buildings.
Cybersecurity imperative
Cybersecurity is critical for intelligent panel boards connected to IT networks. Implementing robust security measures is essential to protect panels from cyberattacks and ensure operational continuity. Schneider Electric prioritizes the cybersecurity of its products and provides advanced protection solutions.
Tailored solutions for your needs
Schneider Electric offers a complete portfolio of innovative panel boards for commercial buildings, enhancing safety, energy efficiency, and dependability, all while simplifying installation and servicing. The integration with the EcoStruxure delivers a complete and connected energy management solution, contributing to smarter, safer, and more sustainable buildings.