RP Power LLC News

January 11, 2006 – Orlando, Fla. – Kohler® Power Systems and Schneider Electric’s North American Operating Division, best known in the

United States

for its Square D^® brand, have agreed to produce, market and sell the Intelligent Load Center, a new electrical load distribution enclosure and automatic transfer switch into one package.

The two companies introduced the product during the International Builder Show, held January 11-14, 2006, in Orlando.

The two-in-one load center (38-40 circuits) will make less work for builders and electrical contractors involved in new home construction, and, provide the new homeowner a generator-ready residence.

The Intelligent Load Center eliminates the need for a second distribution panel and additional wiring for a standby residential generator, thus, resulting in less installation time and costs for the builder or electrical contractor. Builders and electrical contractors can realize an estimated $800-$1,200 savings in product and labor costs. The product will be available by June 2006.

“Having a reliable back-up power solution within the home has become increasingly important in recent years,” said Bill Unseld, manager, product marketing for Schneider Electric’s North American Operating Division. “That’s why developing a product like the Intelligent Load Center with Kohler, a longtime leader in the home generator industry, makes good sense. Schneider Electric, through its Square D brand, has always led the industry in providing quality and innovative electrical distribution equipment to the home. Now, through this relationship, we’re able to also bring to the market the most advanced and complete back-up power solution package available today.”

“Kohler and Square D are rethinking the way homes are powered in the future,” said Melanie Tydrich, senior product manager-residential generators, for Kohler Power Systems. “And builders can set themselves apart from the competition by offering their customers a generator-ready home, while also simplifying the installation process for the homeowner seeking a standby generator at the time of construction or post construction.”

The new Intelligent Load Center combines the Square D QO load center and its smart breaker system, and KOHLER transfer switch logic. Key features include:

The transfer switch portion of this new load center is responsible for monitoring utility power for any interruptions. Should a power failure occur, the transfer switch automatically transfers the pre-determined electrical components to the generator, which will restore power within 10 seconds. When utility power is restored, the transfer switch transfers the electrical load back to the utility and shuts the generator down.

Kohler Power Systems is a division of Kohler Co., and provides complete power systems, including generators (residential, industrial, mobile and marine), automatic transfer switches, switchgear, monitoring controls, and accessories for emergency, prime power and energy-management applications. Kohler Power Systems delivers energy solutions for markets worldwide.

Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wis., Kohler Co. is one of the nation’s oldest and largest privately held companies. Kohler is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing of kitchen and bath products, utility engines and power generation systems, home interiors and hospitality services.

Headquartered in Palatine, Ill., the North American Operating Division of Schneider Electric (www.us.schneider-electric.com) had sales of $2.6 billion (U.S.) in 2004. The North American Operating Division is one of four operating divisions of Schneider Electric, headquartered in Paris, France, and markets the Square D, Telemecanique and Merlin Gerin brand products to customers in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

In the United States, Schneider Electric is best known by its flagship Square D brand, with Telemecanique becoming increasingly known in the industrial control and automation markets and supported by many Square D distributors. For 100 years, Square D has been a market-leading brand of electrical distribution and industrial control products, systems and services. Schneider Electric is a global electrical industry leader with 2004 sales of approximately $12.8 billion (U.S.).