By Healthcare Facilities Today

PALATINE, Ill. – Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management, today announced two new additions to its line of industry leading circuit protection and contactors and starters products: The QO™ and HomeLine™ 2-Pole Combination Arc Fault Interrupters (CAFI) for residential applications and the Open TeSys N Contactors and Starters for commercial applications. The announcement demonstrates Schneider Electric’s continued investment and commitment to product innovation.

QO and HomeLine 2-Pole CAFI Circuit Breakers:

Recent National Electric Code (NEC) changes and adoption have expanded the number of residential circuits requiring Combination Arc Fault (CAFI) protection. Electrical Contractors and Electricians can now easily meet code requirements by utilizing the 2-Pole CAFI Circuit Breakers which are designed specifically for use on shared-neutral (multi-wire) branch circuits where the neutral connection is shared between two separate circuits. Leveraging this wiring method allows electrical contractors to meet NEC for residential remodels and new construction while saving time and money, and providing an increased level of electrical safety and protection for residential applications.

The 2-Pole CAFI Circuit Breakers can minimize installation time and save on material costs, by reducing the number of runs and the number of wires needed. In shared-neutral installations, two 120 V circuits are fed from a single 2-Pole Circuit Breaker. Instead of running two separate 2-wire home runs, the 2-Pole CAFI allows electrical installers to run a single 3-wire run. Additionally, Schneider Electric equips all Square D CAFI circuit breakers, including the new QO and HomeLine 2-Pole CAFI circuit breakers, with the TIME SAVER Diagnostics indication feature. TIME SAVER Diagnostics provides additional circuit information at the touch of a button and can reduce troubleshooting by identifying the type of fault that has occurred, helping the contractor or homeowner identify the cause of a trip faster, in the event a trip should occur.

Open TeSys N Contactors and Starters:

The Open TeSys N Contactors and Starters are designed for NEMA applications and feature a shared platform with IEC products. Combining the compactness of IEC motor control technologies with the robustness and familiar application sizing of NEMA products, the Open TeSys N offers a DC control voltage (24 Vdc) in NEMA contactors and starters for the first time and uses common TeSys accessories that enables customers to reduce inventory complexity and carrying costs.

TeSys N Contacts are available in sizes 00 through 7, in both non-reversing and reversing options. TeSys N Starters are available in Sizes 00 through 7 for non-reversing and Sizes 00 through 5 for reversing. The product is UL® listed, CSA certified, and CE marked and offers simplified selection and configuration with replaceable contacts in Sizes 3 through 7. Additionally, all terminals offer IP 2X finger-safe protection.