Panelbuilders

Schneider Electric works hand-in-hand with our Control Panel Builder partners to develop successful solutions that meet the real-world needs of our mutual customers. These solutions combine Schneider Electric’s 100 years of experience with the strengths of our Control Panel Builder partners to provide unparalleled service locally, nationally and internationally.


For customers, this means being able to leverage the resources of a multi-billion dollar organization while maintaining the close, intimate relationship you want from a local panel shop dedicated to meeting your day-to-day needs — even as they change. To find a Schneider Electric Control Panel Builder partner in your area or for a specific industry, please contact us for more information.
For Control Panel Builders, this means having access to the valuable resources you need to be more competitive, when you need them most. This includes product information, project support, marketing incentives, training and numerous other advantages. To learn more about the rewards of joining the Schneider Electric’s Control Panel Builder partner program, we encourage you to take a few minutes to explore the Rewards & Benefits page of this site or contact your Schneider Electric sales representative.
 
 

Featured Product: The true cost of using fuses…

Fuses are inexpensive protection devices, right? The simple response is yes, they are absolutely Fuses...inexpensive protection devices. However the total cost of ownership could be more than you are willing to pay.
In many plant floor situations where fuses are used, a separate disconnect must be installed because fuses are designed to open during overcurrent conditions only. In many cases, when using a fuse, you must order a fuse holder and a disconnect device. Although your initial cost of a fuse, fuse holder and disconnect device is low you must maintain each part number and inventory the parts on your production floor.
Consider how many trips you anticipate over the life of a fuse. In many instances and locations you would need to enlist the expertise of a qualified electrician to replace the fuse that can add significant cost during the use cycle.
Fuses meet a 100kA SCCR rating that can handle all fault currents up to 100kA covering most locations. However, the vast majority of those faults are significantly lower than 100kA.  Typically they are between eight and ten times the handle rating. A 100kA sized fuse dramatically lowers the protection of low level faults, the most common fault range.


The reality of using circuit breakers…
Circuit breakers are simple, robust, time and money saving devices that can save over the life of installations.
Fuses need multiple components for a complete solution – In contrast, a circuit breaker by nature is a disconnect device, eliminating the need for a holder and an additional disconnect device. This all in one package eliminates the need to purchase, maintain and inventory multiple part numbers.
Fuses blow and in many cases require enlisting a qualified electrician for replacement. In contrast, when a circuit breaker trips you simply flip the circuit breaker to the “on” position and continue production. Use of circuit breakers can also help avoid additional cost due to nuisance fuse blowing for misapplication of fuses after initial installations.

Summing it up…
Circuit breakers eliminate costs associated with blown fuses and those associated with maintaining and stocking spare fuses. They offer a visual trip indicator and allow you to quickly resume production to help protect customer’s investment by reducing downtime. The initial cost of purchasing a fuse can be significantly lower than purchasing a circuit breaker, however, when you consider the total cost of ownership the choice is clear.

Learn more about the reality of using circuit breakers.