
Schneider Electric, the global leader in energy management and automation and a recognised sustainability leader, has launched its flagship MasterPacT MTZ Active circuit breaker in West Africa, according to a release on Thursday.
The premium digital solution is designed to set new benchmarks in safety, efficiency, connectivity, and sustainability, supporting industries in overcoming modern energy challenges and ensuring business continuity.
“Power availability and reliability remain a pressing issue across many sectors in West Africa, from smaller manufacturing to large-scale industrial complexes,” Offer Manager, Power Products at Schneider Electric West Africa, Opeyemi Olaniyan, said.
“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 added.
The MTZ Active features fully integrated wireless communication, allowing the circuit breaker to connect seamlessly via Bluetooth, Near Field Communication, Zigbee, and cloud gateways.
Olaniyan noted that, unlike traditional systems that require wired infrastructure, the breaker can communicate wirelessly through the Zigbee communication protocol, making it ideal for decentralised environments or facilities upgrading legacy systems. The wireless capability simplifies installation, reduces costs, and enables remote monitoring through Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure IoT architecture or third-party platforms.
The MTZ Active also prioritises safety through its Energy Reduction Maintenance Setting, 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,” Olaniyan said.
In the event of a trip, users can quickly scan the industry-first QR code on the LCD to diagnose the issue and take informed action, reducing downtime and improving operational agility.
A key feature for 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,” Olaniyan noted.
SOURCE: PUNCH NEWSPAPER