Are Square D and Schneider the same company?

Square D and Schneider are essentially the same company today in terms of ownership and operations, though they have different historical origins. Square D is a historic American electrical brand founded in 1902 in Detroit as Detroit Fuse and Manufacturing, known for its QO and Homeline breakers and panels. Schneider Electric is a French multinational founded in 1836 that acquired Square D in 1991 for 1.6 billion dollars. Since the acquisition, Square D has operated as a flagship brand and division of Schneider Electric in North America, not as an independent company. Products are labeled Square D by Schneider Electric, and both logos appear on packaging. Schneider Electric uses Square D as its primary residential and commercial electrical distribution brand in the US and Canada, while using Schneider Electric branding more globally. The engineering, manufacturing, warranty, and distribution for Square D products are all managed by Schneider Electric. So while they were once separate companies, today Square D is not independent; it is a brand owned and operated by Schneider Electric, sharing corporate leadership, factories, and distribution. People often say Square D and Schneider are the same to reflect this current reality.