Press kit
Premset switchgear:
Innovation for MV distribution
Press contact:
Schneider Electric [Country]
[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email]
Press contact:
Schneider Electric / PR agency
[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email]
www.schneider-electric.com
Why switchgear innovation is crucial?
Electrical distribution network operators are conservative. They have to be, since downtime –
whether planned or unplanned – is costly.
That’s why even small changes to electrical distribution networks require careful planning and
meticulous attention to detail. New equipment needs to be easy to install, reliable, and simple to
maintain. The appropriate industry standards must be in place.
But technological innovation is occurring faster today than ever before, often in industries outside
the direct control of electrical distribution network operators, such as renewable energy. The smart
grid is no longer being watched on the horizon – it’s here.
Network operators are facing modern challenges like the need to integrate growing amounts of
distributed generation and implement broad smart-metering schemes. At the same time, regulators
are pressuring on network operators to reduce the duration and frequency of power outages.
If they are to successfully meet these challenges, electrical distribution network operators will need
to use more circuit breakers (a switchgear function) than in the past and they cannot rely on
outdated, “dumb” equipment. A new and smarter generation of switchgear is needed.
Premset - the next generation of switchgear
architecture - is the answer
What is Premset?
Premset is an innovative medium-voltage switchgear from
Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy managementTM. It
is designed to allow network operators meet the challenges of the
smart grid, to increase safety and efficiency, and to facilitate easy
installation, upgrading, and maintenance.
What makes Premset innovative?
Premset is the first MV distribution switchgear to bring the Shielded
Solid Insulation System (2SIS) to the market in an extremely
compact and highly modular form.
To better explain, 2SIS is a breakthrough innovation that protects
all the switchgear’s live parts. It helps ensure a safe, trouble-free
service life for both operator and equipment.
[Date]
Premset switchgear: Innovation for MV distribution]
While solid insulation has previously been used in switchgear, Premset is the first global product
using this earth-screened solid insulation. This system reduces the risk of internal arcing, enhances
safety and reliability in any environment and is easy to maintain.
Moreover, Premset stands out for its compactness, a characteristic more often associated with SF6insulated switchgear. Schneider Electric achieved this through the use of 2SIS, combined with a
patented universal flat power connection system and some original mechanical design.
Add to this Premset’s high modularity and you’ve got an extremely versatile, innovative switchgear.
Its architecture is based on single units, making it easy to built switchboards for different kinds of
applications. At the same time, Premset’s type-tested functional blocks are designed to work
together in practically every combination, and its accessories and auxiliaries are plug-and-play. This
allows Premset to provide optimum performance at an optimized cost.
The evolution of safety in electrical distribution
The switchgear’s 3-in-1 architecture is another step forward for switchgear, one that makes Premset
the safest and most intuitive product in its class. Unlike many other switchgear, Premset has only
three operating positions.
Here are a few ways this 3-in-1 architecture makes Premset safer and more intuitive:
> Breaking, disconnection, and earthing functions are all integrated into a single compact threeposition device, making it easier to operate
> Safety is enhanced due to built-in fail-safe interlocks
> The three-position scheme provides an integrated cable-test feature that’s accessible from the
front, eliminating the need to enter the cable box or unmount cable terminations
Ready for the smart grid
Because it was designed for the smart grid, Premset brings a new level of efficiency through
advanced monitoring and control. Its smart-grid features improve the management of today’s
networks and will likely prove indispensible in the future as grid-management regulations become
stricter.
Here are a few ways in which Premset switchgear help ensure peak network performance:
> Feeder automation, with switchgear including built-in communication and local intelligence
[Date]
Premset switchgear: Innovation for MV distribution]
> Load management, with integrated smart metering
> Asset management, with advanced switchgear and transformer monitoring
> VIP self-powered protection and communication relay for higher MV network availability
> Easy integration, factory-tested, based on a standard communications protocol, with a plug-andplay scanning system for easy configuration
Market-leading expertise
Since the 1920s, Schneider Electric has been at the forefront of switchgear innovation, including the
entire evolution of MV switchgear technology to date. Premset switchgear are the result of this
extensive knowledge and experience, representing the kind of leap forward only seen in switchgear
technology about once every 20 years.
>Placeholder quote – either need a new quote or someone in the relevant position to sign this one<
“We are extremely proud of Premset. This is a breakthrough innovation for medium voltage
distribution – a smart grid-ready switchgear that offers unprecedented safety, efficiency and ease of
use.”
With Premset, the company continues to lead the market in providing smart solutions for the smart
grid. The switchgear’s unique combination of technologies helps bring greater reliability, efficiency,
and protection to the grid.
>Placeholder quote – either need a new quote or someone in the relevant position to sign this one<
“Schneider Electric is committed to creating energy-efficient applications to help meet the world’s
growing demand for power. Premset is a perfect example of how we’re meeting this commitment.”
About Schneider Electric
As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider
Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in
energy and infrastructure, industrial processes, building automation, and data centres/networks, as
well as a broad presence in residential applications. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, and
efficient, the company's 130,000-plus employees achieved sales of 24.2 billion euros in 2012, through
an active commitment to help individuals and organizations “Make the most of their energy.”
www.schneider-electric.com
> Possible sidebar / info box text<
[Date]
Premset switchgear: Innovation for MV distribution]
Why switchgear innovation is crucial
Electrical distribution network operators are conservative. They have to be, since downtime –
whether planned or unplanned – is costly.
That’s why even small changes to electrical distribution networks require careful planning and
meticulous attention to detail. New equipment needs to be easy to install, reliable, and simple to
maintain. The appropriate industry standards must be in place.
But technological innovation is occurring faster today than ever before, often in industries outside
the direct control of electrical distribution network operators, such as renewable energy. The smart
grid is no longer being watched on the horizon – it’s here.
Network operators are facing modern challenges like the need to integrate growing amounts of
distributed generation and implement broad smart-metering schemes. At the same time, regulators
are pressuring on network operators to reduce the duration and frequency of power outages.
If they are to successfully meet these challenges, electrical distribution network operators will need
to use more circuit breakers (a switchgear function) than in the past. A new and smarter generation
of switchgear is needed.
[Date]
Premset switchgear: Innovation for MV distribution]