SCHNEIDER Resi9 The ultimate in residential circuit protection

SCHNEIDER Resi9 The ultimate in residential circuit protection

The MAX Concept: Redefining Performance and Efficiency

The core philosophy of the Resi9 range is encapsulated in the “MAX” concept, which targets five critical pillars of modern electrical installation: Performance, Speed, Flexibility, Professionalism, and Ease of Install.

1. MAX Performance:

Safety is paramount in residential environments, and Resi9 devices are built to last. The entire range delivers exceptional electrical and mechanical endurance, with products tested for 10,000 electrical cycles and 20,000 mechanical cycles (excluding 2-pole RCCBs). This robust design ensures longevity even under demanding switching conditions. Furthermore, the system is rated for 100A operation, meaning it can handle the high loads of modern homes equipped with air conditioning, electric vehicle chargers, and smart appliances. All Resi9 devices maintain a consistent operating temperature range from -25°C to +70°C, ensuring reliability in the harsh climates often experienced in New Zealand without the need for derating.

2. MAX Speed:

In the electrical trade, time is money. The Resi9 range introduces the revolutionary MAXBAR™ busbar system, a next-generation connection method that takes the definition of speed to a new level. When compared to the traditional RCCB + MCB method, the use of MAXBAR with Slim RCBOs can improve installation speed by up to two times. This innovation eliminates the need for cumbersome cable connections to feed final sub-circuits; the busbar picks up the active feed from the main switch and distributes both active and neutral conductors directly to the RCBOs and AFDDs. This “one bar delivers it all” approach not only saves labor hours but also ensures a cleaner, more professional finish.

3. MAX Flexibility:

Resi9 devices offer electricians superior flexibility in configuration. Unlike conventional solutions that restrict wiring, almost all Resi9 devices allow for optional top or bottom line-feeding. This dual-connection capability is invaluable when working within confined spaces or specific enclosure layouts, allowing installers to route cables from the most convenient direction. Additionally, the system is designed to support a wide array of protection combinations, seamlessly integrating Residual Current Devices (RCDs), Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs), Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs), and Surge Protection Devices (SPDs).

4. MAX Professionalism:

Aesthetics and usability play a crucial role in modern switchboard design. Resi9 devices feature a new, modern white finish that delivers a clean and professional appearance for domestic installations. Beyond looks, the practical functionality has been enhanced with larger terminal sizes for MCBs and Main switches. This improvement accommodates larger conductors and improves torque during termination, reducing the risk of loose connections and hotspots.

5. Ease of Install:

Information accessibility is key to efficient workflow. PDL has integrated Quick Response (QR) codes directly onto the face of all Resi9 products. Electricians and contractors can instantly access a wealth of digital resources—including specifications, installation instructions, brochures, and technical manuals—simply by scanning the code with a mobile device. This feature drastically reduces the time spent searching for physical documentation and ensures that the most up-to-date information is always at hand.

Deep Dive into the Resi9 Product Range

To fully appreciate the capabilities of the Resi9 system, one must examine its core components, each engineered to address specific safety and performance challenges.

Main Switches (R9S06191)

The Resi9 range includes optimized mains switches for residential applications, available in 1, 2, and 3-pole versions with a 100A rating. These switches are integral for the safe isolation of the entire switchboard during maintenance or emergencies. Featuring a highly visible ON/OFF toggle with a green strip indication to confirm physical isolation, they are designed for durability. With a high electrical endurance of 10,000 cycles and mechanical endurance of 20,000 cycles, these switches ensure long-term reliability. They offer IP20 protection for the device alone and IP40 when mounted in an enclosure, with the ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions (Pollution Degree 3).

Miniature Circuit Breakers – MCBs (R9F061xx)

The backbone of circuit protection, Resi9 MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) are industry-leading devices suitable for horizontal or vertical 35mm DIN rail mounting. They are available in ratings from 6A to 40A (R9F06106 to R9F06140) with a standard characteristic C-Curve, which suits most residential applications. The tripping mechanism utilizes a bi-metal strip for thermal overload protection and a solenoid for magnetic short-circuit protection, offering a rated breaking capacity of 6kA. The design includes lift-up terminals to secure all cable strands, ensuring no loose strands cause overheating. These MCBs allow for top or bottom cable connections, providing installation flexibility. Encased in heavy-duty material with an IP20 rating (IP40 in enclosure), they offer robust protection for live terminals.

Residual Current Devices – RCCBs (R9R06240)

For personnel safety and protection against fire risk from earth faults, the Resi9 range offers 2-pole RCCBs in 40A and 63A ratings. These 2-module wide devices are Type A, with a 30mA sensitivity and a non-delayed trip. They provide surge current protection up to 250A. A key feature is the mechanical green strip on the toggle that visually confirms the opening of all poles, allowing for safe downstream working. These devices are top and bottom feed compatible and include lift-up terminals to simplify wiring.

MCB/RCD Combinations – RCBOs (R9D066xx & R9D086xx)

The Resi9 range boasts an advanced lineup of Residual Current Operated Breakers (RCBOs), which combine the functions of an MCB and an RCD into a single unit. This combination saves up to 50% of space compared to using separate devices.

Slim RCBOs (R9D06606 to R9D06632): These 1-module wide devices (1P+N) are ideal for retrofit installations where space is at a premium. Rated at 230V, they provide 30mA earth leakage protection (Type A), C-Curve thermal-magnetic tripping, and a 6kA breaking capacity. They allow for the independent switching of both active and neutral contacts for additional safety.

2-Module RCBOs (R9D08610 to R9D08640): These 2-module wide devices (1P+N) are designed for compatibility with the MAXBAR busbar system. They share the same 30mA, Type A protection and 6kA breaking capacity but in a larger footprint. The inclusion of separate flag indications for MCB and RCD tripping enables speedy fault diagnosis, minimizing downtime for the homeowner.

Slim RCBOs (R9D06606 to R9D06632): These 1-module wide devices (1P+N) are ideal for retrofit installations where space is at a premium. Rated at 230V, they provide 30mA earth leakage protection (Type A), C-Curve thermal-magnetic tripping, and a 6kA breaking capacity. They allow for the independent switching of both active and neutral contacts for additional safety.

2-Module RCBOs (R9D08610 to R9D08640): These 2-module wide devices (1P+N) are designed for compatibility with the MAXBAR busbar system. They share the same 30mA, Type A protection and 6kA breaking capacity but in a larger footprint. The inclusion of separate flag indications for MCB and RCD tripping enables speedy fault diagnosis, minimizing downtime for the homeowner.

Arc Fault Detection Devices – AFDDs (R9TDB3610)

Arc faults are a hidden yet deadly cause of electrical fires, often resulting from damaged cables, loose connections, or pests. The Resi9 AFDD+RCBO provides a critical layer of protection by detecting even the smallest electrical arcs. This 2-module wide device integrates overcurrent, earth leakage, arc fault, and overvoltage protection into one compact unit. It features a multi-function button for testing and tripping diagnosis, utilizing a blinking orange LED to indicate trip causes and a VISI-TRIP window for visual status. This sophisticated diagnostic capability helps electricians identify faults quickly, significantly enhancing electrical safety.

Surge Protection Devices – SPDs (R9L40100)

With the increasing value of electronics in modern homes and the electrification of vehicles and appliances, protection against voltage surges is essential. The Resi9 SPD (Surge Protection Device) offers a maximum discharge capacity (Imax) of 40kA (8/20μs waveform). Available in single-pole variants (Type 2), these devices help protect sensitive appliances from lightning strikes and grid surges. They feature a reversible base for easy cabling and a replaceable cartridge design for maintenance. An optional remote indication connector and a lifetime indicator add to the system’s functionality.

MAXBAR™ Busbar System (R9XPN115N)

The crown jewel of the Resi9 integration system is the MAXBAR. Unlike traditional busbars that require manual daisy-chaining or multiple cable connections, the MAXBAR is a phase-neutral busbar that connects directly to the main switch and the neutral distribution block. It distributes power to all types of Resi9 RCBOs and AFDDs—Slim or 2-module variants. This system eliminates neutral cables for downstream RCBOs, creating a cleaner, faster, and more reliable installation. Rated for 100A, it comes as a complete kit (R9XPN115N) including the busbar, connector, tooth caps, end caps, and neutral terminal block, ensuring a professional finish with “MAX” efficiency.

Enclosures and Accessories

To house the Resi9 system, PDL provides a range of high-quality plastic enclosures (R9HSB series) in flush or surface mount options, ranging from 10 to 60 ways (e.g., R9HSB415F for 60 ways). These enclosures are rated for 100A and feature an IP40 rating (door closed) and IP30/IP4X with tooth caps. They offer generous wiring space, with a 135mm gap between DIN rails, to accommodate large conductor bundles. The white (RAL 9003) finish ensures a clean aesthetic. Accessories include spare door assemblies (R9ADA series), pole fillers (R9APF08), neutral/earth bars (R9ANB04), and pin-type busbars (R9XPH115) for older installations, providing a complete solution for every project requirement.

Technical Robustness and Compliance

Resi9 devices are engineered to withstand tough Kiwi conditions. The operating temperature range of -25°C to +70°C (with derating curves available in technical data) guarantees functionality from cold winter mornings to hot summer days. The high breaking capacities (6kA for RCBOs/MCBs, 40kA for SPDs) ensure the system can handle prospective fault currents safely. Furthermore, all products are compliant with AS/NZS 3000 and IEC 60529 standards, ensuring adherence to local wiring regulations. The range also benefits from the Green Premium program by PDL/Schneider, focusing on resource efficiency, circularity, and the use of compliant materials (RoHS, REACh), reflecting a commitment to sustainable performance.