Tianjin Alcoa International Trade Co., Ltd. , https://www.tjalcoa.com
Exports grow steadily Smart low-voltage appliances will become market-driven
As the first and second generations of smart electrical products gradually fade from the mainstream market due to performance limitations, the next wave of intelligent solutions is set to take over. This transition is driven by the increasing demand for more advanced, efficient, and reliable low-voltage electrical systems. In the near future, the low-voltage electrical industry will focus on strengthening fundamental smart technologies, as current technical constraints still limit widespread adoption.
Low-voltage electrical appliances are essential components used to manually or automatically control, protect, detect, and adjust electrical circuits or non-electrical objects based on external signals. Over the past decade, this sector has experienced significant growth. From 2001 to 2010, it was estimated that approximately 21GW of new capacity was installed annually. Based on industry standards, this required around 480,000 low-voltage frame circuit breakers and 4.82 million molded case circuit breakers each year. Additionally, government support for exporting electromechanical products has led to a steady rise in export volumes.
However, despite this growth, there remains a clear gap between domestic and international offerings. Industry reports indicate that China’s low-end low-voltage electrical products dominate the domestic market, while high-end models struggle to compete globally. Only a few domestic high-end products can match foreign counterparts, and most still hold minimal market share. The outdated first and second-generation products are inefficient and unprofitable, while third-generation models fail to meet growing demands. Developing a new generation of smart low-voltage electrical appliances is now an urgent priority.
The next few years mark a critical period for smart grid development. As smart grids and integrated power distribution systems gain momentum, the demand for intelligent low-voltage solutions will surge. However, during this phase, major players like State Grid Co., Ltd. and design departments often favor foreign brands, while domestic monopolies also play a key role in manufacturing. Given that the power grid consists of numerous electrical devices, intelligence at the appliance level is crucial. Smart low-voltage electrical appliances are not just a trend—they are the future. This shift demands stronger system integration and comprehensive solution capabilities.
To guide the development of the next generation of products, three core factors must be considered: market demand, technological trends (including evolving industry standards), and system integration needs. Aligning product development with these elements ensures a strategic and effective approach.
Currently, the core functions of intelligent low-voltage electrical appliances include complete protection and control, measurement of electrical parameters, external fault detection, internal self-diagnosis, system monitoring, and energy management. Despite these advancements, further research into foundational smart technologies is still necessary.
Key areas of focus include:
1) Determining which intelligent functions should be standard across all low-voltage electrical appliances within distribution and control systems, and how to implement them effectively.
2) Developing standards for intelligent low-voltage electrical appliances and creating testing equipment and methods for their functional evaluation.
3) Studying integration technologies for intelligent low-voltage appliances, ensuring compatibility and seamless coordination among multiple smart devices.
4) Enhancing the reliability of intelligent low-voltage electrical appliances, including electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) technology.
As new technologies emerge, the next generation of smart low-voltage electrical appliances—characterized by high performance, intelligence, superior breaking capacity, communication capabilities, miniaturization, modularity, and energy efficiency—will become the market leaders. Their market share is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.