Quick and smart installation for distribution boards

05Jun

posted by: Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric has launched the Acti9 Isobar P, the latest addition to its Acti9 range of low voltage (LV) distribution boards.

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The Isobar P is a smart solution that helps its customers install quicker, whilst incorporating more protection and connectivity during installation.

The Isobar P is a comprehensive range of distribution boards, RCBOs and pan assemblies that when installed provide electrical power to commercial and industrial equipment providing protection in the event of system faults. They are ideal for electrical contractors and panel builders to perform installations as quickly, reliably and effectively as possible.

Isobar P received its name due to being the first LV distribution board to have plug-on RCBO (residual-current circuit breaker with overcurrent protection) capability. RCBO neutral and functional earth connections are usually wired into the neutral and earth terminals inside the distribution board, costing significant time by introducing additional wiring. With the new Acti9 Isobar P, installers can simply plug their RCBO directly into the board. This eliminates the need to cut, straighten or dress any excess wiring and therefore reducing installation time by half. However, a mixture of wired and plug-on RCBOs can also be installed side-by-side, offering greater flexibility within installations. The benefit of having fewer connections needing to be made means that there is also less potential for errors to be made as well.

As most panel builders know, time is of the essence. Schneider says that the Isobar P has time savings up to 50% which translates to around two or three days less on site for installing a distribution board. In addition to the time saving, neatness is also an important factor for many panel builders. The lack of wiring for the RCBOs means that even the messiest installers will have few problems installing a neatly organised distribution board.

The smart aspect to the Isobar P is that the product is designed to facilitate all the benefits of Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure architecture. It works with the full range of connected devices, including Schneider Electric’s PowerTag sensor that fastens easily to the plug-on RCBO. Previously, PowerTag was only able to be attached to miniature circuit breakers. However, now PowerTag can be used together with EcoStruxure to monitor the health and energy usage of distribution boards. This enables preventative maintenance by detecting irregular usage patterns before they grow into serious problems. Over time this extends equipment lifespans, improves performance and reduces downtime, leading to lower operational costs.

Connectivity is becoming an increasingly popular feature for products as Industry 4.0 continues to become a reality. The Isobar P is no different. The ability to implement Schneider’s PowerTag allows for targeted maintenance when any problems arise and an app can be used to check up on real-time information. A 5-year warranty is also offered with Isobar P that can be electronically registered online and offers installers the ability to be emailed if urgent maintenance is required.

Made in Britain at Schneider Electric’s Swindon manufacturing plant, Acti9 Isobar P also offers full IP2X internal shrouding for maximum protection. The IP2X protection prevents users from physically touching any terminations, offering greater protection than previous products. The Swindon plant offers flexibility to customers as it is the location where the Isobar P was tested and designed which results in shorter lead times. Lastly, the UK-based plant is allowing for Schneider products to be adapted for special applications, something which would be more difficult with the lead times that come with imported products.

Ken Shepherd at G&H Group, which helped develop the Isobar P, said: “The Acti9 Isobar P is very easy to use; its plug-on RCBO functionality makes installing faster than ever. Not only does faster installation allow for substantial financial benefits, the swift completion of contracts also allows for installers to perform other installations and spend more precious time offsite securing new work for their business.”

“The Acti9 Isobar P is a revolution in installation and asset control,” said Leandro Souza of Schneider Electric, “By harnessing the power of connectivity, the range enables precise asset management and maintenance for customers. Above all, the range gives both installers and customers the highest level of protection available.”

Isobar P is currently available for purchase in the UK and Ireland. Around five per cent of the range is sold directly to electrical contractors and panel builders, with the remainder distributed through wholesalers.

For more information on Acti9 Isobar P or Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure platform, please visit www.schneider-electric.co.uk/isobar-p

Watch a demonstration of the 50% time savings offered by the Isobar P at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNVdQSpGbNs