New technology advances adaptability, reliability and cybersecurity in low-voltage power distribution
ABB is set to officially launch its SACE Emax 3 air circuit breaker in South Africa on 11 November, introducing a new generation of circuit breaker technology designed to address the evolving demands of modern electrical infrastructure.
Building on the established SACE Emax family, the Emax 3 represents a significant advancement in low-voltage power distribution, combining enhanced digital functionality, intelligent monitoring and advanced cybersecurity with a design that supports the ongoing evolution of electrical installations.
The launch, taking place in collaboration with the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), will bring together industry stakeholders, electrical contractors and technical professionals for an introduction to the new technology and its potential applications.
“Evolving electrical infrastructure requires solutions that do more than simply protect electrical installations. They need to support greater operational intelligence, adapt to changing requirements and address increasingly complex safety and cybersecurity considerations,” comments Ettienne Delport, Senior Vice President for Electrification, Smart Power and Smart Building at ABB South Africa.
“The SACE Emax 3 brings these capabilities together in a single platform. By combining adaptability, reliability and security, it gives customers the flexibility to modernise their power distribution systems while protecting critical assets and supporting continuity of operations,” explains Delport.
Designed around these three principles, the Emax 3 introduces several innovations aimed at improving the performance, management and protection of low-voltage electrical installations:
Adaptability: designed to evolve with infrastructure
The Emax 3 incorporates the next-generation Ekip Aware trip unit, enabling users to upgrade measurement, protection and communication functions on site as system requirements change. This field-upgradeability allows installations to evolve without requiring extensive equipment replacement.
Its redesigned human-machine interface (HMI) simplifies interaction through a more intuitive menu structure, while integration with ABB’s EPiC mobile application and Ekip Connect software enables monitoring, control and data analysis from mobile devices and computers.
Connectivity is another important feature, with support for high-speed Ethernet, Modbus TCP and daisy-chain networking, alongside wireless Bluetooth Low Energy and Near-Field Communication capabilities.
Importantly, the Emax 3 retains the same overall dimensions, fixing points, connection terminations and electrical performance as its predecessor, the Emax 2. This backward compatibility supports straightforward migration and upgrades without requiring a complete system redesign.
Reliability: supporting operational continuity
Maintaining service continuity is central to the Emax 3’s design. Its advanced sensing and power management capabilities help maintain system stability under demanding operating conditions, while integrated monitoring provides greater visibility into equipment performance.
The circuit breaker can deliver up to Class 0.5 accuracy for active power and energy measurement in accordance with IEC 61557-12. This supports more precise load monitoring, sub-billing and power management without the need for additional meters or sensors. Its intelligent asset management capabilities also support condition-based and predictive maintenance.
An internal network of sensors continuously monitors key operating parameters, helping identify potential issues and anticipate maintenance requirements before they develop into unexpected failures. “These capabilities provide owners and operators with greater insight into equipment health, helping to reduce unplanned downtime and optimise maintenance interventions,” adds Delport.
Security: protecting people, assets and data
As electrical infrastructure becomes increasingly connected, cybersecurity is an important consideration in the design and management of modern power distribution systems. The Emax 3 is designed in accordance with the IEC 62443-4-2 cybersecurity standard, incorporating features such as digitally signed firmware updates, secure storage and role-based access management.
Wireless communication through Bluetooth and NFC also requires user authentication, helping ensure that only authorised personnel can access breaker data. The product’s safety features extend beyond cybersecurity. Optional arc-flash detection capabilities support rapid fault identification, with detection times of less than 40 milliseconds.
Remote racking options allow operators to rack the circuit breaker without direct exposure to potentially hazardous conditions. Additional safety measures include enhanced mechanical interlocks, key locks and padlocks, as well as Reduced Energy Let-Through (RELT) protection.
Supporting industry knowledge and regulatory compliance
Alongside the product unveiling, the launch programme will feature a technical presentation by Anthony Schewitz, Regional Director of the ECA Highveld Branch, focusing on updates to edition 3.3 of SANS 10142-1:2026 – Wiring of Premises. The session will provide attendees with insight into key regulatory revisions, technical requirements and compliance obligations affecting electrical contractors, consulting engineers and facility managers.
Covering IEC ratings from 250 A to 6,300 A, the SACE Emax 3 portfolio offers a scalable platform for a broad range of low-voltage power distribution applications. For ABB, the introduction of the SACE Emax 3 represents another step towards supporting more intelligent, adaptable and secure electrical infrastructure, giving customers technology designed not only to meet today’s operational requirements but also to accommodate what comes next.
“Introducing new technology is also an opportunity to strengthen industry understanding of the developments shaping electrical installations. Our collaboration with the ECA brings a valuable technical and regulatory dimension to the launch, creating an opportunity for professionals to engage with both the technology and the wider requirements of the industry,” concludes Delport.
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com)
ABB Electrification is a global technology leader enabling the efficient and reliable distribution of electricity from source to socket. With more than 50,000 employees across 100 countries, we collaborate with our customers and partners to solve the world’s greatest challenges in electrical distribution and energy management. As the energy transition accelerates and electricity demands grow, we are electrifying the world in a safe, smart and sustainable way. At ABB, we are ‘Engineered to Outrun’, and we are passionate about helping our customers and partners do the same. go.abb/electrification
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ABB's SACE Emax 3 air circuit breaker range, designed for advanced low-voltage power distribution.
Ettienne Delport, Senior Vice President for Electrification, Smart Power and Smart Building at ABB South Africa - ABB brings next-generation SACE Emax 3 air circuit breaker to South Africa_approved
ABB brings next-generation SACE Emax 3 air circuit breaker to South Africa_approved
