Latvia has achieved a notable milestone in the global electrification landscape: the world’s first ABB SACE Emax 3 circuit breaker was installed here, underscoring the strong collaboration between ABB and leading local industry partners. While new technologies typically debut in the largest industrial markets, this time Latvia took the lead.
The first Emax 3 in Latvia was installed by ENERGOFIRMA “JAUDA,” one of the largest electrical equipment and metal product manufacturers in the Baltics. With more than 60 years of experience in energy and electrification solutions—including transformer substations and low‑voltage systems—the company is well‑positioned to adopt next‑generation technologies.
Modernization Made Simple
For many companies, the ease of modernization is a decisive factor. When equipment can be upgraded with minimal technical changes and without significant downtime, the transition to new technologies becomes far more accessible. The Emax 3 is designed exactly with this in mind: it delivers advanced protection, precise measurement, and flexible integration while fitting seamlessly into existing systems.
Data That Drives Better Decisions
With energy prices in Europe fluctuating sharply in recent years, businesses increasingly rely on accurate data to optimize consumption and avoid costly peak loads.
“Emax 3 measures energy with 0.5% accuracy—comparable to standalone energy meters,” explains Viesturs. “But here, everything is integrated into one device: protection, measurement, and communication. No additional equipment, wiring, or interfaces are needed. This improves system reliability and saves space.”
The system collects data from measurement coils, Sense accessories, and wireless sensors, analyzing current, voltage, temperature, humidity, and switching cycles. Based on this information, Emax 3 can calculate load‑management logic and detect early warning signs before issues become critical.
Multi‑Layered Safety
Cybersecurity has become a central concern in modern energy distribution systems. “Ten years ago, no one talked about it. Today, it’s essential, because electrical equipment is increasingly connected to global networks,” Viesturs notes.
SACE Emax 3 is the only circuit breaker in the world certified to the IEC 62443‑4‑2 cybersecurity standard. Its communication is encrypted, access is strictly controlled, and software updates are digitally signed to ensure authenticity.
Physical safety is equally important. Arc‑flash protection remains one of the most critical challenges in electrical installations.
“With additional sensors, Emax 3 can detect an arc flash and disconnect power in under 40 milliseconds—automatically and without external relays,” says Viesturs.
Maintenance Based on Condition, Not a Calendar
Traditional maintenance schedules often fail to reflect real operating conditions. Equipment may run lightly for long periods or face heavy loads that accelerate wear.
“Emax 3 continuously monitors its own condition,” Viesturs explains. “It tracks contact wear, spring status, motor performance, and environmental factors. From this, it calculates a health index that shows when maintenance is truly needed.”
This approach enables planned, timely maintenance—aligned with production needs rather than fixed intervals or unexpected failures.
Modernization Without Rebuilding
One of the biggest challenges in industry is upgrading equipment without major reconstruction. Emax 3 offers a significant advantage: it has the same dimensions as the previous Emax 2 generation. Existing enclosures, busbars, and connections can be retained, allowing fast modernization with minimal disruption.
What This Means for Latvia
The fact that the first Emax 3 globally was sold and installed in Latvia is more than a technical achievement. It demonstrates that local experts are fully capable of working with cutting‑edge technologies and that Latvian industrial companies are ready to invest in modern, safe, data‑driven systems.
“We often hear that Latvia is a small market where everything arrives late,” says Viesturs. “But this example proves the opposite. When there is competence and a clear need, we can be the first.”
The ABB SACE Emax 3 is more than a circuit breaker—it is a tool for control, insight, and safety. And the story of its first installation beginning in Latvia is one the industry can be proud of.
