Schneider Electric launches industry-first ‘plug and play’ surge protection sevice in the UK

Schneider Electric, the global leader in energy management and automation, has announced the UK availability of an industry-leading surge protection device (SPD) – the first plug-on SPD specifically designed for direct integration with UK-style ‘fishbone’ distribution boards.

Designed to protect against transient overvoltage, the new SPDs represent a major step forward in convenience and efficiency, offering a simple, compact and cost-effective product with embedded protection which can be placed directly into the distribution board.

Unlike existing solutions that require upstream external disconnectors, additional enclosures, and complex wiring, Schneider Electric’s latest SPD features a fully integrated, all-in-one design with an embedded backup fuse that removes the need for a separate Overcurrent Protective Device (OCPD). The unit plugs directly into the distribution board with no additional kits or tools, significantly reducing installation time and cost.

Until now, protection against transient overvoltage in distribution boards for the commercial sector has involved using SPDs that do not directly fit into a distribution board, particularly if it is densely populated or compact.

The Acti9 and KQ Type 2+3 devices are an addition to Schneider Electric’s innovative circuit protection range. It offers robust protection from overvoltage, which can be caused by natural phenomena such as lightning strikes, as well as day-to-day electrical load issues. This can severely impact and damage electrical equipment powered through a distribution board, with huge cost implications for businesses. It is designed for low-voltage systems and can be used in both commercial and industrial facilities.

The new SPD is compatible with the popular Acti9 Isobar P and KQ Loadcentre high-performance distribution boards, widely used across these sectors.

David Williams, Schneider Electric’s Vice President for Transactional Business, said: “For contractors working in the highly competitive commercial and industrial buildings space, reliability, safety, and speed are the name of the game.”

“We are committed to supporting electrical contractors with versatile solutions that are simple, safe, and dependable. This launch provides a practical solution to a daily obstacle for electrical installers. With surge protection now a growing regulatory requirement under BS 7671:2018 Amendment 2, our new SPD combines ease of installation, compact design, and built-in protection to simplify compliance and deliver peace of mind for commercial projects across the UK.”

These new surge protection devices are a prime example of this, ensuring ease of installation and peace of mind when it comes to safety and reliability for both contractors and their customers alike.”

The new surge protection devices are available from October 2025.