Schneider Electric, the global leader in energy management and automation, has introduced its flagship MasterPacT MTZ Active circuit breaker to the West African market, marking a significant step forward in industrial safety, efficiency, and digital energy management.
The launch comes at a time when businesses across the region are grappling with unreliable power supply and the growing need to integrate alternative energy sources into their operations. From small-scale manufacturers to large industrial plants, consistent electricity remains a challenge, often disrupting production and limiting growth.
“Power availability and reliability remain a pressing issue across many sectors in West Africa,” said Opeyemi Olaniyan, Offer Manager, Power Products at Schneider Electric West Africa. “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.”
At the heart of the MTZ Active is the MicroLogic control unit, which provides real-time data on energy performance, allowing facilities to manage load fluctuations and restore power quickly after outages. By combining traditional circuit breaker functionality with advanced digital intelligence, the product is designed to help industries minimise downtime, optimise power use, and extend equipment life.
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One of its standout features is wireless connectivity. Unlike traditional systems that rely on wired infrastructure, the MTZ Active supports Bluetooth, NFC, Zigbee, and cloud gateways. This capability not only reduces installation costs but also allows seamless integration into decentralised environments or legacy systems undergoing upgrades. Through Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure architecture, users can remotely monitor and analyse performance, enabling predictive maintenance and improved operational efficiency.
Safety is another key focus of the MTZ Active. The breaker is equipped with an Energy Reduction Maintenance Setting (ERMS), which reduces the risk of arc flash hazards during live maintenance. In addition, an industry-first QR code on the LCD display enables maintenance staff to scan and immediately access diagnostics, shortening fault response times and enhancing worker confidence.
For businesses already invested in Schneider Electric’s older MasterPacT NT/NW systems, the MTZ Active offers a cost-efficient upgrade path. Facilities can retrofit by replacing only the trip unit with the MicroLogic Active, without altering the existing switchboard or footprint. This compatibility extends asset life, reduces waste, and avoids the downtime typically associated with system replacement.
Sustainability is also embedded in the product’s design. Its modular build allows for firmware upgrades and digital module enhancements, while components are certified for refurbishment and reuse. With rated current up to 6,300 A and compliance with UL 489, ANSI C37, and IEC standards, the MTZ Active is suitable for a wide range of industrial applications in the region.
Olaniyan summed up the product’s value by highlighting its blend of innovation and practicality: “This circuit breaker combines connectivity, safety, and retrofit capability in a way that directly addresses the challenges faced by industries in West Africa.”
By setting a new standard in circuit protection, Schneider Electric’s MasterPacT MTZ Active could play a crucial role in helping businesses across West Africa secure reliable power, reduce operational risks, and prepare for a more sustainable, digitised future.
