ABB has unveiled the next generation of its flagship air circuit breaker, the SACE Emax 3 which is engineered to meet the evolving power and cybersecurity demands of today’s most critical operations, from AI-powered data centers to advanced manufacturing sites, hospitals, and airports.
Designed as the successor to the industry-leading Emax 2, the Emax 3 integrates cutting-edge technology to dramatically improve power resilience. With the industry’s most accurate power sensors and embedded analytics, Emax 3 monitors real-time system data, including load behavior, system health, and environmental factors like temperature. Insights are delivered remotely or via its integrated touchscreen, empowering users to implement proactive, predictive maintenance and respond swiftly to emerging issues.
The Emax 3 is the first air circuit breaker in the world to receive Security Level 2 IEC 62443 certification, providing robust protection against cybersecurity threats. It also introduces a fully integrated arc flash detection system, significantly enhancing operational safety.
“Critical infrastructure needs resilient electrical systems. As demand for advanced electrification solutions continues to grow, the new SACE Emax 3 will help customers stay ahead of changing power requirements and protect business-critical uptime,” said Massimiliano Cifalitti, Smart Power President, ABB Electrification. “Emax 3 is a breakthrough for energy resilience, helping solve some of the leading causes of power outages. Its built-in intelligence helps customers make their power management and maintenance proactive and predictive.”
ABB’s SACE-brand air circuit breakers are recognized for their reliability and performance, with millions installed worldwide protecting buildings and critical facilities. Demand for air circuit breakers continues to grow, particularly in markets where data centers and smart industries are growing, and where large infrastructure investments are being made. Customers in these markets are also demanding more advanced sensing and embedded digital intelligence.
Lara Cortinovis, Head of Distribution & Energy Management, ABB Electrification, said: “Power outages can now be a million-dollar problem, with customers telling us they are concerned with grid instability, human error and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Solutions to improve on-site resilience are seen as critical. ABB innovations like Emax 3 will be at the heart of solutions to make critical infrastructure more secure and reliable.”
Uptime Intelligence’s 2025 survey-based Annual Outages Analysis indicates that power failures account for more than half of digital infrastructure outages; that more than half of significant outages cost more than $100,000 and one in five data center operators say their most recent significant outage cost more than $1million.
