1982–1984
1984 employee count: 7
State of the industryElectromechanical relays protected the long-established power system. The relays comprised gears, springs, and set screws—reactive, visual devices that simply flagged a power system event. The introduction of microprocessor technology—affordable, small-scale computing—was just becoming widely available in the ’80s and was the beginning of an idea that would revolutionize the power industry.
It starts in a basementIn 1982, Edmund O. Schweitzer, III, invents the first microprocessor-based digital protective relay, centered on his research as a Washington State University graduate student. Dr. Schweitzer starts Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (SEL) in his basement and works with a small team to bring his invention to market. Dr. Schweitzer begins each day at 5:30 a.m., making phone calls and not moving onto something else until he has at least one conversation with a potential customer.
Enter the SEL-21Our first product, the SEL-21 relay, is the first relay to use microprocessor-based computation and algorithms to provide previously unavailable functionality in power protection, including fault locating, remote communications, self-testing, built-in security, and event recording. It also included a three-year warranty.
First customerIn 1984, SEL makes its first sale when Dr. Schweitzer flies to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, to present the SEL-21 to Otter Tail Power Company. Otter Tail Power purchases three relays.
From a basement to a buildingAlso in 1984, SEL moves out of the Schweitzers’ basement and into its first building on Merman Drive in Pullman, Washington.
1985–1995
1985 employee count: 34
1992 employee count: 100
Innovations in manufacturingSEL invests in a wave solder machine, adding a significant step towards automation. This equipment increases efficiency and improves quality compared to the more time-consuming hand-soldering method. SEL further enhances automation by installing a surface-mount machine, which allows use of both sides of a circuit board. The technology increases productivity, improves quality, reduces costs, and enables the design and use of smaller components.
ISO 9001-certifiedSEL becomes ISO 9001-certified in 1994. The annual audit to keep our certification recognizes our continuous commitment to unmatched quality.
Employees become ownersIn 1994, SEL implements the employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), providing employees ownership interest through shares of stock. The ESOP encourages engagement, creativity, and productivity.
From a building to a campusSEL continues to grow, and in 1988, moves operations into the 2350 building on Hopkins Court in Pullman. By the end of 1994, the newly constructed 2390 building joins 2270N, 2270S, and 2350 on the expanding SEL campus.
1995–2005
2005 global employee count: 1,000
Innovations in manufacturingConformal coating seals out moisture, dust, and other contaminants, allowing electronics to have a longer lifespan in harsh environments.
The SEL-351In 1997, SEL combines the functions of several comparable SEL-200 series relays to build the SEL-351 Directional Overcurrent and Reclosing Relay. The SEL-351 relay becomes the benchmark for price, quality, features, innovation, delivery, and service in North America.
Major milestonesIn 1998, SEL begins offering engineering consulting, testing, and design through our Engineering Services team. In 2001, SEL establishes the Government Services team to perform mission-driven research and solution development for electrical system design, protection, and control in partnership with U.S. government agencies and national laboratories. In 2003, SEL opens a site in Monterrey, Mexico, to manufacture high-quality panels for our customer Comisión Federal de Electricidad. In 2004, SEL acquires E. O. Schweitzer Manufacturing in Mundelein, Illinois, which was started by Dr. Schweitzer’s father, Edmund O. Schweitzer, Jr.
From a campus to the worldSEL expands globally to remain close to customers. In 1997—Canada. In 1998—China and the United Kingdom. In 1999—Australia. In 2000—Mexico, Brazil, and South Africa.
Best-in-the-industry warrantyIn 2000, SEL introduces an unprecedented ten-year, worldwide product warranty—the best in the industry. Implementing vital customer feedback, SEL improves design and manufacturing processes, which results in repeat business and growth.
2005–2015
2015 global employee count: 5,000+
Innovations in manufacturingPlastic injection molding offers better control over design and production of custom plastic parts, reduced material costs, and quicker part availability turnaround.
Communications breakthroughsThe SEL ICON Integrated Communications Optical Network offers flexible, fast, and secure critical communications. Equipment like the SEL-2240 Axion and SEL BLUETOOTH serial adaptors communicates quickly and reliably and is flexible enough to meet the varied applications of customers.
Major milestonesIn 2009, SEL becomes 100 percent employee-owned. Also in 2009, SEL has shipped or installed more than 100,000 synchrophasor-equipped relays. In 2012, SEL opens a manufacturing facility in Lewiston, Idaho. In 2013 and 2015, SEL establishes onsite healthcare centers in Pullman, Washington, and Lewiston, Idaho, respectively.
Thought leadershipSEL Modern Solutions Power Systems Conference encourages professionals from various industries and disciplines to explore common challenges, learn from successes, and generate new ideas to drive innovation.
Plan, design, construct, maintainAt the end of 2015, SEL operates more than 1.4 million square feet of building space, including offices, Research and Development labs, manufacturing centers, and event spaces. SEL also houses two health clinics and a daycare to help employees achieve a healthy work-life balance.
2015–2025
2025 global employee count: 7,000+
Industry innovationsSEL introduces several innovations in this decade. The SEL-T400L Time-Domain Line Protection, the fastest relay in the world, offers traveling-wave-based and incremental-quantity-based line protection schemes as fast as 1 ms. The SEL-T401L Ultra-High-Speed Line Relay improves fault locating to within a single tower span using traveling-wave-based technology. Operational technology (OT) software-defined networking (SDN) provides strict network access, control, and protection. The SEL Blueframe application platform is a secure, modern OT software platform featuring an intuitive interface and growing library of applications.
National Inventors Hall of Fame honors Dr. SchweitzerIn 2019, SEL President and Chief Technology Officer Dr. Edmund O. Schweitzer, III, is inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame for his invention of the microprocessor-based digital protective relay, which revolutionized the electric power industry. He is in the company of innovators like Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla, and Henry Ford.
Major milestonesIn 2020, SEL opens a fifth manufacturing plant, located in West Lafayette, Indiana. The site’s proximity to Purdue University allows close research collaboration between the two entities. In 2023, SEL opens a printed circuit board fabrication (PCB) facility in Moscow, Idaho. The boards are vital parts of the products SEL manufactures to protect, monitor, control, and automate electric power systems. Thanks to a unique water recycling method, it is one of the most environmentally friendly PCB factories in the world.
Now and beyond
Inventing the futureInventing and designing new solutions for the industries we serve remains a core function of the company. We continue to expand into nontraditional markets by delivering products, services, and solutions across various industries. From land mobile radio (LMR) and public safety answering points (PSAPs) to agricultural processing and water treatment plants, we provide protection, automation, and control systems for industries worldwide. We also continue to invest in our employees and in science, technology, engineering, and math education for our communities.
Global expertise on a local levelSEL products are in over 170 countries. We make electric power safer, more reliable, and more economical on a global scale. Our team members are based worldwide and have a comprehensive understanding of power systems and the SEL devices that drive them.
Patents continue to pave the wayDr. Schweitzer is recognized as a pioneer in digital power system protection and is a prolific inventor, having been awarded more than 200 patents. SEL continues to invent groundbreaking solutions, with its employees achieving over 1,200 patents in the first four decades of the company. Patents are important to protect innovation, encourage research, and maintain our competitive edge and global leadership in the electric power industry and beyond. Ingenuity and creativity help drive the future of SEL.