Schneider Electric and Equinix trial software-defined switchgear for data center power distribution and cooling management.

Equinix and Schneider Electric have launched a pilot program deploying software-defined medium-voltage switchgear at an Equinix data center. The new technology, developed by Schneider, aims to reduce the amount of specialized cabling and hardware required in data center electrical infrastructure.

Software-defined switchgear decouples system intelligence from physical hardware, enabling a new model for designing, deploying and operating electrical infrastructure that can evolve at the same pace as AI-driven workloads and digital services. Rather than relying on customized, engineered-to-order systems, the approach uses modular hardware that can be standardized and rapidly deployed. By shifting capabilities from hardware to software, operators can add new features and performance improvements without requiring physical modifications.

This architecture delivers significant operational advantages. Order, manufacturing, and commissioning cycles are substantially faster, while system complexity is reduced. Compared to traditional switchgear, the software-defined configuration uses 87 percent less control wiring, 91 percent fewer terminals, and 85 percent less copper, while providing digital connectivity and analytics for enhanced operational visibility.

"The challenge facing data center operators today is not just keeping pace with AI growth, but building the resilient, efficient and scalable power infrastructure needed for an increasingly digital world," said Frédéric Godemel, executive vice president for energy management at Schneider Electric. "Schneider Electric's software-defined medium voltage architecture brings a new level of flexibility, standardization, and energy intelligence to electrical distribution, helping customers scale their operations more efficiently while preparing for future requirements. By combining software, connectivity, and sustainable innovation, we are enabling the next generation of resilient and efficient data centers."

Pilots of the system will continue through next year, with broader market availability expected in 2028.