Light + Building 2026: Networking and monitoring in the circuit breaker

The Light + Building 2026 trade fair positions itself as the world's leading trade fair for light and building technology, attracting architects, lighting designers, electricians, planners, and smart home integrators to the Frankfurt exhibition grounds. Among the exhibitors are the major manufacturers of electrical installation materials, and many are presenting new products. A trend at many stands: The new generation of miniature circuit breakers (colloquially known as safety switches), RDCs (also known as residual current devices) and other protective devices are equipped with digital technology and can be monitored and controlled remotely.

Smart home manufacturer Shelly is targeting both private and business customers with its networked circuit breakers, which, according to statements at the stand, should be available in Germany around May 2026. The Pro CB model series has built-in WLAN and LAN, is offered in 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-pole versions, and can be switched on and off remotely. However, if the breaker trips due to overload or short circuit, a person must manually reset the switch on-site for safety reasons – but can set up an alarm message, for example, to be informed of the problem early on.

The Pro CB series is more intended for commercial properties. The MCB series is aimed more at private customers. These are single-phase breakers that communicate with the outside world via Bluetooth and Zigbee or via Z-Wave. Unlike the Pro CB models, these can also monitor energy flow. Because they detect energy flow in both directions, they are also suitable for monitoring generation systems, such as balcony power plants.

Those who want to measure and monitor energy flow will also find solutions at Eaton. The manufacturer presented prototypes of compact cubes with one or three holes that fit on a miniature circuit breaker. The conductors are routed through the holes, allowing non-contact current measurement. The Eaton cubes wirelessly transmit the data to an evaluation unit for DIN rail mounting, from where it can be sent to a visualization system, for example. Similar hardware is already available from Schneider Electric on the market; the manufacturer relies on the Modbus protocol for data evaluation. Application areas for such measuring devices exist in both industry and private households – for example, to monitor how much energy the washing machine consumes.

Configurable for Industry

Hager is clearly targeting an industrial audience with a new product: The electrical engineering manufacturer has brought prototypes of new circuit breakers to the trade fair, which are expected to be launched on the market in 2026 – provided all certifications are completed by then, as explained on-site. Because they switch off digitally, the reliability of tripping must first be proven. The breakers, with a width of two modules, have a display showing their parameters. The special feature: The employee at the stand could change parameters such as the tripping characteristic and switch remotely, connected via Bluetooth. If desired, the breaker can react to fault currents like an RCD or act as a fire protection switch that detects arcs and trips early. Whether the market-ready product will actually feature Bluetooth or another interface has not yet been decided, we learned at the stand.

Siemens has also considered how to further develop classic protective devices. Remote actuators called RCA, which are positioned next to an RCD and can motorize the lever back on, have been on the market for some time. In addition, the remote control units can perform automatic RCD tests and directly log and send the results via the network. This saves work, especially in environments where daily testing and documentation are required.

The next evolutionary stage at Siemens is called ECPD, Electronic Circuit Protection Device, and functions similarly to the prototypes at Hager. The electronic circuit protection devices switch electronically, not electromechanically, and protection functions and behavior are configurable. Automatic tests with logs are also possible. For example, differential current detection can be configured, which, unlike an RCD, does not trigger and switch off directly in case of a fault current. Typical application areas are highly available data centers. If a fault current occurs, i.e., a current leakage through the housing and PE conductor, a warning system can be activated via a switching contact on the EPCD – the trained administrators then know to keep their hands off the server rack until the problem is resolved. Another advantage of electronic circuit protection devices: The circuitry is capable of distinguishing high inrush currents from short circuits, thus avoiding false trips. At the trade fair, Siemens presented a new three-phase EPCD that is brand new on the market.

Home Automation

In addition to networked protective devices, manufacturers are showcasing home, industrial, and special lighting in all price ranges at the trade fair – from inexpensive ceiling lights to designer pieces for discerning tastes. The other focus is on classic home automation or, more modernly, smart home. The KNX protocol, widespread in Europe, and the large manufacturer ecosystem clearly dominate the exhibition halls. Occasionally, Matter and Thread also play a role.

Wago, the German manufacturer of industrial components and connection technology, is new to the Matter business. The company has launched a home automation product line with small relay boxes designed to fit behind switches and sockets. They communicate via Thread or WLAN, are part of the Matter universe, and can be quickly set up in a home with Apple Home, for example. As expected from Wago, they have lever terminals for the conductors instead of screw terminals. The devices are expected to hit the market in May.

Light + Building runs until March 13 at the Frankfurt exhibition grounds.

(jam)