Schneider Electric Provides Safety in Power Distribution for Large, Mixed-Use Buildings

Building network operators (BNOs) can often struggle to safely and efficiently split differing units of energy between various dwellings with their own specific energy needs. This can result in unexpected power surges, overheating and damaged equipment, as well as the added costs and downtime required for maintenance. Distribution can be especially difficult in large commercial buildings where three-phase electrical currents are usually split between big energy consumers like lifts and CCTV systems. 

Schneider Electric’s Multiple Occupancy Distribution Equipment (MODE) range tackles this challenge head-on. MODE serves as a low-voltage indoor distribution point, safely ferrying the appropriate loads from the building’s supply to its various energy users. It provides cost effective, safe and reliable fused protection for the distribution of electrical supplies in large buildings such as apartments, hotels and retail outlets. Intensive testing and quality manufacturing limit the danger to both equipment and operators, boosting safety and limiting costs through reducing the occurrence of breakdowns.

The range is also designed to maximise the use of space, with easily installable components and options that reduce the need for excess cabling. Where space is at a premium, developers can make more efficient and profitable use of the extra room.

MODE is ideal for any building or facility where multiple-occupancy or mixed-use is prevalent. Its many variants offer solutions for every power requirement across a wide range of multi-purpose buildings. For larger power supplies, the solution can accommodate several shielded fuseways for outgoing distribution circuits, providing safer distribution and access for engineers than uncovered fuseways. The range also includes additional accessories, such as adjustable cable cleats and optional extension boxes, for different termination arrangements.

MODE is engineered for increased efficiency, safety and ease of installation. Reliability is assured through both the one-piece comb busbar design of the MODE units and high-intensity temperature testing. Specially designed vents at the top and bottom of each unit improve natural air circulation and cooling, reducing the chances of overheating and allowing the units to be installed in enclosed spaces. The unit’s doors are removable and secured with captive screws, enabling easy access while providing operator optimal protection from electrical shock.

Quality is at the core of the MODE range. All units are constructed from raw materials in Schneider Electric’s manufacturing base in Scarborough, UK. Their components, steelwork and devices are Schneider Electric designs created specifically to work together. As well as ensuring the quality of the product, the lack of outside-sourced components passes significant savings onto the customer.

The range is also deeply customisable, with Schneider Electric’s engineering teams able to advise and offer packages tailored to individual customer needs. For maximum installation speed and efficiency, the plug and play MODE Canalis is also available. The presence of embedded Canalis plug-on distribution boards allows the unit to directly connect to the building’s rising main busbar. It serves as an effective alternative to traditional cabling, eliminating the need for a standalone distribution board and cabling, as well as saving space, costs and installation time. 

"Schneider Electric has been the premier supplier of MODE solutions for distribution network operators for 15 years. We’re confident that we’ll deliver the same experience, expertise and innovation in our solutions for building operators” said Seth Townsley, Marketing Manager at Schneider Electric. “We understand the challenges of supply distribution in our increasingly complex buildings and facilities, and we’ve tailored MODE expressly to answer them. By keeping our manufacturing, design and engineering in-house, we’ve crafted a market-leading solution that improves efficiency and safety while cutting costs for our customers.