A world technological first for Schneider Electric with the introduction of a ZigBee-based wireless, batteryless switch

Rueil-Malmaison (France) – Schneider Electric unveiled the prototype of the world’s first ZigBee-compatible self-powered switch at the ZigBee European Forum in Munich, Germany, on June 29.

With this wireless, batteryless switch based on ZigBee technology, Schneider Electric is responding to market expectations for a product that is:
- easy to install, as it is wireless,
- reliable, as the switch operates continuously and requires no maintenance,
- green, as there are no batteries to recycle.

The switch illustrates two aspects that Schneider Electric feels are indispensable in the design of more energy efficient solutions for residential and commercial buildings: true interoperability of networked equipment and the confidence and foundation for upgradeability provided by a shared technological standard.

“With this world first, Schneider Electric’s Innovation Department has achieved a real technological breakthrough, made possible by an intense development effort,” notes Philippe Delorme, Executive Vice President, Strategy & Innovation of Schneider Electric. “By using an open global standard, we are making communication less complex and contributing to the emergence of ambient intelligence in buildings.”

A key leader of the ZigBee Alliance, Schneider Electric took a stand very early on to promote this wireless technology as a standard that would allow different radio frequency applications to communicate and enhance everyday life.

Simple, open technological standards are the best way to foster the emergence of new, more effective applications. As the world’s energy management specialist, Schneider Electric is actively committed to developing these kinds of standards in energy and automation, as well as in communication and IT. For this reason, the Group is involved in numerous local and international standards organizations, including the IEC, ISO and ODVA.

The prototype presented in Munich grew out of Schneider Electric’s involvement in the HOMES program (www.homesprogramme.com), a European project comprising 13 manufacturers and researchers that is designed to create solutions for achieving optimal energy performance in all buildings. Emulation and knowledge sharing within this ecosystem considerably speeded the development of the ZigBee-compatible self-powered switch.

In working to meet the major challenge of energy efficiency, Schneider Electric’s R&D teams are guided by a shared commitment to reducing energy consumption, optimizing connectivity and offering simple solutions. By delivering the necessary breakthrough technologies expected by its core markets while making customer satisfaction the key focus of innovation, Schneider Electric is helping to bring forward the energy solutions of tomorrow.

About ZigBee
ZigBee is the global wireless language connecting dramatically different devices to work together and enhance everyday life. The ZigBee Alliance is a non-profit association of more than 300 member companies driving development of ZigBee wireless technology. The Alliance promotes world-wide adoption of ZigBee as the leading wirelessly networked, sensing and control standard for use in energy, home, commercial and industrial areas. For more information, visit: www.zigbee.org

About Schneider Electric
As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in energy and infrastructure, industrial processes, building automation, and data centres/networks, as well as a broad presence in residential applications. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, and efficient, the company’s 114,000 employees achieved sales of more than 18.3 billion euros in 2008, through an active commitment to help individuals and organisations “Make the most of their energy™”.
www.schneider-electric.com