Schneider Electric , the global leader in energy management and automation, and recognised sustainability leader, has announced the launch of its flagship MasterPacT MTZ Active circuit breaker in West Africa.

This premium digital solution sets new benchmarks in safety, efficiency, connectivity, and sustainability, helping industries overcome modern energy challenges and ensure business continuity.

“Power availability and reliability remain a pressing issue across many sectors in West Africa; from smaller manufacturing to large-scale industrial complexes,” says Opeyemi Olaniyan, Offer Manager, Power Products at Schneider Electric West Africa.

“The MasterPacT MTZ Active is purpose-built for today’s electrified and digitised environment, where uptime is essential and energy management has become increasingly complex. As local industries integrate alternative power sources to supplement grid supply, the need for intelligent circuit protection becomes paramount.

“The MTZ Active’s MicroLogic control unit, for example, provides vital, real-time data, enabling facilities to manage load fluctuations and restore power faster after outages,” he adds.

Wireless connectivity and cloud integration

The MTZ Active features fully integrated wireless communication, allowing the circuit breaker to connect seamlessly via Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), Zigbee, and even cloud gateways.

Opeyemi notes: “Unlike traditional systems that require wired infrastructure, this breaker can communicate wirelessly – through the Zigbee communication protocol, making it ideal for decentralised environments or facilities upgrading legacy systems.”

This wireless capability not only simplifies installation and reduces costs but also enables remote monitoring through Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure IoT architecture or third-party platforms.

Enhanced safety with arc flash protection

The MTZ Active prioritises safety through its Energy Reduction Maintenance Setting (ERMS), a built-in feature designed to protect against arc flash hazards. “Maintenance personnel can now work with more confidence and reduced risk, thanks to the integrated safety protocol,” adds Olaniyan.

In the event of a trip, users can quickly scan the industry-first QR code on the LCD display to diagnose the issue and take informed action, reducing downtime and improving operational agility.

Retrofit-friendly and built for sustainability

One of the most valuable features to West African businesses is the MTZ Active’s retrofit compatibility. Existing MasterPacT NT/NW installations can be upgraded simply by replacing the trip unit with the MicroLogic Active, without modifying the switchboard or footprint.

“This extends equipment life while keeping costs and waste downtime. It’s a key benefit for customers looking to modernise without replacing entire systems,” says Olaniyan.

The MTZ Active product has also been designed with circularity in mind, the components can be refurbished and reused with full Schneider Electric certification.

Key MTZ Active key technical features include:

• Rated current: Up to 6300 A, suitable for high-demand applications.
• Energy Reduction Maintenance Setting (ERMS) - enhances arc flash protection during live maintenance
• MicroLogic Active control which acts as the “brain” of the breaker, enabling real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and protection settings.
•  Class 0.5% current measurement and accuracy.
• Dual port for Modbus TCP/IP allowing seamless connectivity between devices in industrial environment.
• Modular design - allows for easy upgrades with digital modules and firmware updates
• QR code identification - speeds up fault diagnostics and maintenance response times.
• Compliance with UL 489, ANSI C37, and IEC standards for global compatibility.
• EcoStruxure-ready - fully compatible with Schneider Electric’s IoT-enabled architecture for smart energy management.