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Early fuse developed by company founder B.D. Horton
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Detroit Ironclad Sealable Service Entrance Switch
(circa 1909)
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Stamped steel version of the enclosed safety switch with the Detroit Fuse
and Manufacturing Company's new trademark - the capital "D"
in a square (circa 1915)
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Square D Company Rivard Street Detroit, plant (circa 1920)
Innovation Timeline
| 1903 | The McBride Manufacturing Co. is incorporated in Detroit and two years later the first patent for a cartridge-type fuse is issued to company founder, B.D.Horton. |
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| 1908 | The company name changes to the Detroit Fuse and Manufacturing Company, and the revolutionary Detroit ironclad enclosed safety switch is launched the following year. | |
| 1915 | A stamped steel version of the enclosed safety switch is introduced with a capital “D” (for Detroit) in a square embossed on the product. | |
| 1917 | The safety switch becomes so popular that the company adopts Square D Company as its official name. | |
| 1927 | Introduces SAFLEX line of dead front power distribution panels. | |
| 1933 | Square D introduces the first edition of The Digest, the still popular product catalog. | |
| 1936 | The first residential circuit breaker - the MULTI-BREAKER - is an immediate bestseller. | |
| 1940 | Square D supplies half the circuit breakers used in U.S. military aircraft. Square D products on military equipment used around the world give new meaning to the slogan: Square D Everywhere. | |
| 1951 | Markets first "Plug-in" type circuit breaker distribution panelboard. | |
| 1955 | Introduces the QO® Circuit Breaker "The Finest Ever Built" and adopts slogan "Wherever Electricity is Distributed and Controlled". |
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| 1957 | Square D develops the first flange-mounted disconnect means for all machines and machine tools, particularly for the automotive and machine tool markets. | |
| 1958 | Square D launches NORPAK, the first commercially successful, completely encapsulated solid state logic control system. | |
| 1960 | BOLT-LOC® pressure contact switches provide exclusive kinematic action to open and close the switch, providing extra operator protection. | |
| 1961 | Introduces first transistorized welder control. | |
| 1962 | The I-LINE® busway, a revolutionary line of totally enclosed feeder duct, launches. | |
| 1966 | Square D introduces the Type S Motor Starter and I-LINE® Panelboard, the first to be tested for full short-circuit ratings with breakers installed. Circuit breaker developments include the VISI-TRIP® breaker and the push-to-trip feature. | |
| Click here for years 1973-2002 |
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