Over a billion people on the African continent either have no access or only limited access to energy, while South Africa faces electricity supply constraints.

Energy management and automation company Schneider Electric, says it has always been in the business of developing energy efficient products.

This week, the company unveiled three new product ranges – the PrismaSeT switchboard system, the ComPacT NSX new generation range and the TeSys Deca and TeSys Giga series of motor starters – as part of its EcoStruxure Power value offering.

With the addition of these new products, the company’s EcoStruxure Power Domain architecture offers improved efficiency, connectivity and power availability for commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, data centres, industry and infrastructure.

These products, under the EcoStruxure umbrella, feature advanced cybersecurity features, improved connectivity and predictive analytics working to reduce downtime, while ensuring the safety of equipment and personnel, says Schneider Electric marketing and prescription manager Ettienne van Niekerk.

The PrismaSeT low-voltage (LV) switchboard is designed to enhance fire prevention with IEC 61439-1 & 2 type tested units. Reinforced frames and doors makes it easier and safer to operate and maintain the LV board, which ensures its durability in any environment.

Schneider Electric product manager Kovi Chinnathambi says that, to improve on sustainability at all levels, Schneider Electric has eliminated the use of plastic packaging for the PrismaSeT switchboard. The new environment-friendly packaging decreases waste and its disposal cost by using only recyclable cardboard.

Additionally, the PowerLogic HeatTag sensor is a new product that was designed to provide fire prevention for switchboards. Its proactive heating detection technology drastically reduces the risk of fire.

The company also unveiled its new-generation of trusted ComPacT moulded-case circuit breakers, featuring a refreshed design tailored for operational ease and simplification of maintenance activities.

The ComPacT range now comes connectivity-ready, and modular “plug-and-play” accessories expand the capacity for advanced monitoring capabilities. By keeping the new units the same shape and size as their predecessors, electrical professionals can easily retrofit breakers that are already in use.

New wireless auxiliaries give users improved insight into their electric distribution system, to maximise power availability.

A major design improvement is the introduction of a semi-transparent front faceplate. This innovation makes it easy to see, at a glance, which auxiliaries are at work in the breaker and that they are correctly positioned.

Meanwhile, the new-generation TeSys Deca series provides consistent performance and functionality.

These motor starters use higher-grade plastics for its contactors which is better for fire resistance. This complies with the EN60335-1 standard.

The TeSys Deca also has a new dust-proof auxiliary contact and a multi-standard screw, which simplifies installation.

Additionally, there are on-product Quick Response codes, which put technical information at the customer’s fingertips. This allows Schneider Electric to integrate digitalisation in its electrical solutions.

Further, the TeSys Giga has been reimagined to deliver a simpler, safer and more secure customer experience.

With its modular design, self-diagnosis and full-scale overload protection, the TeSys Giga combines digital innovation with a motor starter that is beneficial for its users, says Schneider Electric.