Validation of the circuit breaker requalification process for Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric sought SOCOTEC's expertise to validate an ambitious circular economy initiative: the requalification of circuit breakers. This solution helps reduce the carbon footprint of buildings and aligns with the objectives set by RE2020.
Key Information
Project name: Validation of the circuit breaker requalification process for Schneider Electric
Date: 2024
Client: Schneider Electric
Location: France
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Project Summary
As a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, Schneider Electric is committed to developing sustainable initiatives through circular economy solutions. Its latest initiative, the MasterPacT Circular, offers Schneider Electric customers the possibility to install a fully requalified Low Voltage Main Switchboard (TGBT) circuit breaker, ensuring the same performance as a new product while drastically reducing the carbon footprint associated with its production.
To create these MasterPacT Circular products, circuit breakers are first collected from various sources. They must be less than five years old and have a limited number of operations. Next, they are disassembled, restored to their original configuration, repaired, and tested before being reconfigured, set up, and customized with appropriate accessories. This comprehensive process allows for an average reduction of 755 kg of CO₂ compared to the production of a new unit.
This approach is particularly beneficial for property owners and aligns with the objectives of the French regulation RE2020*. Indeed, in regulatory calculations, the carbon impact of reused equipment is considered zero, making it an attractive option for sustainable building projects.
*RE2020 is France’s new environmental regulation aimed at cutting energy consumption, reducing carbon emissions, and improving indoor comfort. It sets stricter standards for materials, heating/cooling systems, and building design to encourage more sustainable construction.
SOCOTEC's expertise
Project Description
Circular practices are not yet widespread in the construction sector. To ensure optimal trust in this approach, Schneider Electric sought the expertise and independent third-party assessment of SOCOTEC. The goal is to validate and demonstrate that the entire requalification process operates effectively and that all quality requirements—both technical and regulatory—are fully met.
Validation of the reintroduction process into the market
Inspection of the whole recovery chain of materials & equipment.
Assessment of all requalification process stages.
Testing of requalified equipment to confirm performance equivalent to that of a new product.
Circular practices are not yet widespread in the construction sector. To ensure optimal trust in this approach, Schneider Electric sought the expertise and independent third-party assessment of SOCOTEC. The goal is to validate and demonstrate that the entire requalification process operates effectively and that all quality requirements—both technical and regulatory—are fully met.
Validation of the reintroduction process into the market
Inspection of the whole recovery chain of materials & equipment.
Assessment of all requalification process stages.
Testing of requalified equipment to confirm performance equivalent to that of a new product.
"Thanks to SOCOTEC's expertise, we were able to optimize and qualify our MasterPact reconditioning line."
