Schneider gives datacenter switchgear the software-defined treatment

Schneider Electric is piloting software-defined medium voltage (MV) switchgear with Equinix, promising faster datacenter construction and electrical systems where you can add new capabilities without having to modify the hardware. The energy infrastructure biz unveiled its software-defined MV architecture along with other new power products at the YOTTA 2026 digital infrastructure event in Las Vegas. Switchgear controls and protects the flow of electricity through a facility, isolating faulty equipment when necessary. Medium-voltage systems typically operate between 1 kV and 36 kV, bridging the high-voltage grid connection and the low-voltage supplies feeding server racks. Conventional switchgear is engineered for the requirements of a particular site. Schneider's approach instead uses standardized hardware, with protection, automation, metering, monitoring, and control functions configured through software. The standardized modules can be mass-produced and configured after arriving at the datacenter. Schneider claims that over-the-air updates will add features and improve performance without physical modifications or operational downtime. …