Socomec at a Glance
Socomec is a French manufacturer specialising in low-voltage electrical equipment and critical power solutions, founded in 1922 and headquartered in Benfeld, France. The company is best known for four complementary product families: uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), transfer switching and isolation, fusing and surge protection, and electrical measurement and monitoring. For maintenance teams and integrators working on power distribution systems, Socomec components are a frequent alternative to Eaton, Schneider Electric and ABB equivalents, with a strong reputation in data centres, industry and building services.
This guide explains the four core Socomec product families and how to select the right one for your installation. All products referenced below are available at Glorient with genuine factory warranty.
1. UPS & Power Storage
Socomec's UPS portfolio covers both modular and standalone systems. The MAS GP range is a modular three-phase UPS platform that scales with growing power demand: modules are hot-swappable and the system supports redundancy (N+1), making it suitable for data centres, control rooms and critical production lines. For smaller or distributed applications, the NETYS range provides compact single-phase UPS protection for IT racks and small control cabinets.
When selecting a Socomec UPS, first determine the load in watts (not VA), then apply a 25-30% headroom margin. For critical processes that cannot tolerate any transfer interruption, choose an online double-conversion unit. If your application is in the 60-120 kVA range, see our available MAS GP 60kVA and larger modules in the UPS & Power Storage category.
For a broader UPS selection methodology, refer to our Industrial UPS Selection Guide and the Eaton UPS series comparison.
2. Transfer Switching & Switch Disconnectors
Where two power sources must be switched safely (mains/generator, mains/UPS, or two independent feeders), Socomec offers two complementary families:
- ATyS - automatic transfer switches that monitor both sources and transfer the load without operator intervention. Available with fixed or motorised operation, they are the standard choice for standby generator integration and source changeover in critical installations.
- SIRCO / SIRCOV - manually operated switch disconnectors for isolation and load breaking, widely used in photovoltaic plants (SIRCO MOT PV versions up to 1500 VDC), industrial distribution boards and maintenance isolation points.
Select an ATyS when automatic changeover is required; select a SIRCO when you need a cost-effective manual isolation point. See the ATyS 3X125A automatic transfer switch and the SIRCO MOT PV solar isolator in the Switch Disconnectors & Transfer category.
3. Fuses & Circuit Protection
Socomec's protection portfolio includes the FUSERBLOC range of fused switch disconnectors and the SURGYS range of surge protection devices (SPDs).
- FUSERBLOC - combines a switch disconnector and fuse base in one unit, protecting feeders and motors against short circuits and overloads. Available for a wide range of fuse sizes (14x51, 22x58, 8x31, etc.) and current ratings.
- SURGYS - Type 1/2 surge arresters that protect sensitive loads such as PLCs, instrumentation and electronic meters from lightning and switching transients. The D40 monobloc range is a common choice for distribution boards.
Choose fusing by the protected circuit's rated current and prospective short-circuit current; choose an SPD by the equipment sensitivity and the lightning risk level of the installation site. Browse the SURGYS D40 surge protector in the Fuses & Circuit Protection category.
4. Measurement & Monitoring
To verify power quality and energy consumption, Socomec supplies current transformers, insulation monitors and multi-circuit measurement devices.
- Current transformers (CT) - for metering and protection circuits, available in class 0.2s / 0.5 metering grades with various ratios (e.g. 40/5, 100/5).
- ISOM - insulation monitoring devices that detect the first insulation fault in ungrounded (IT) networks, widely used in medical, marine and industrial safety applications.
- DIRIS - multi-circuit monitoring systems for energy management and power quality analysis.
Select the CT ratio so that the primary current is 70-100% of the meter's nominal range; choose an ISOM when your installation must operate with continuity in the event of a first insulation fault. See the T2RB115 40/5 current transformer and the ISOM DIGIWARE insulation monitor in the Current Measurement & Monitoring category.
How to Choose: a Quick Decision Path
| Your requirement | Socomec family |
|---|---|
| Protect critical loads from mains failure | MAS GP / NETYS UPS |
| Automatic mains-to-generator changeover | ATyS transfer switch |
| Manual isolation or PV plant switching | SIRCO switch disconnector |
| Short-circuit and overload protection | FUSERBLOC fused switch disconnector |
| Lightning and transient protection | SURGYS surge protection device |
| Metering and power quality verification | CT transformers / ISOM / DIRIS |
Why Buy Socomec from Glorient
All Socomec products supplied by Glorient are 100% genuine, new and in original factory packing, covered by the full manufacturer warranty. Our team can help you match the correct ATyS, SIRCO, FUSERBLOC or MAS module to your existing installation - including compatibility checks with your current switchboard. For pricing, stock and lead time, request a quote through our quote form and we will respond within 24 hours.
Related reading: How to Choose an Industrial UPS | Eaton UPS Series Compared | PULS DIN-Rail Power Supply Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a UPS and a transfer switch?
A UPS provides conditioned, battery-backed power and bridges short outages. A transfer switch (ATS) switches the load between two power sources, typically mains and generator. A UPS is for power quality and short outages; a transfer switch is for source switching over longer outages.
What is an ATS (automatic transfer switch)?
An ATS automatically transfers the load from the normal supply to a backup source (generator or second mains) when the normal source fails, and back again when it returns. It is the core of any generator-backed critical power installation.
What does a load-break switch do?
A load-break switch (isolator) safely makes and breaks current under load, allowing a circuit to be isolated for maintenance. It is not a circuit breaker - it does not provide overcurrent protection - so it is usually paired with fuses or breakers.