• With more than 100 years of electricity use, the widespread use of renewable energy today puts new demands on grid management, and innovation in electrical safety technology is key to achieving a net-zero future
FIFE CDP-01-MH Modern microcircuit breakers invented by ABB continue to drive industry standards in performance, compact size, connectivity and transparency
• Flexible, time-saving design makes installation easier and helps solve the current pain points in the electrical industry

Recently, the modern miniature circuit breaker (MCB) invented by ABB ushered in the milestone of 100 years of development. For 100 years, it has saved countless lives by keeping circuits safe and evolving with The Times to meet future sustainable development needs. With nearly a quarter of all fires occurring in residential buildings [1], modern miniature circuit breakers have not only changed the way people live by securing homes, but have also brought electrical safety to all areas of society, from commercial buildings, factories, rail infrastructure to data centers.

FIFE CDP-01-MH

Modern microcircuit breakers are capable of detecting electrical faults such as short circuits and overloads and are able to disconnect the circuit in 10 milliseconds, 10 times the blink of an eye. In case of failure, it can be quickly and easily reset without replacement. As the goal of a “net zero future” continues to evolve, increasing electrification and integrating more diverse renewable energy sources becomes critical. Protection equipment requires managing larger electrical loads, as well as responding to changes in power supply and demand. ABB offers a full range of safety technologies and solutions, from solar panels and heat pumps to electric vehicle charging solutions, as well as additional protection against residual current, surge, ground fault current, arcing and more.

FIFE CDP-01-MH Aldo Sciacca, head of the global Terminal Distribution Products Group at ABB Electric Smart Buildings, said: “Our future-proof portfolio is focused on enabling energy efficiency and transparent, sustainable practices. We also focus on easy installation, which is important when faced with labor shortages. Through compact, modular and flexible design, we are able to quickly and safely retrofit buildings and integrate renewable energy, which plays a vital role in ensuring the safe and sustainable development of modern communities, modern cities and future urban landscapes.”

Today’s protective equipment is making old and new buildings around the world safer, smarter and more sustainable. Its compact design allows electrical systems to be upgraded even in historic buildings with limited space. Many historic buildings around the world, such as Amsterdam’s Kinderdijk Windmills and Germany’s Aachen Cathedral, have internal structures that are particularly vulnerable to electrical equipment and system safety threats and the potential for fire. Currently, the electrical systems of these UNESCO World Heritage buildings have been updated through the installation of compact protection devices, such as the Arc Fault Detection Device (AFDD), with integrated residual current and overcurrent protection (RCBO) protection. These devices could keep these historic and cultural landmarks safe for centuries to come.