AIR-INSULATED SWITCHGEAR

CONNECTING AND PROTECTING AN EVOLVING GRID

Air‑insulated switchgear is widely used in both primary and secondary distribution networks, where accessibility, operational continuity, and long‑term performance are essential. As electricity demand grows and regulations evolve, utilities and industries are increasingly looking for solutions that are SF₆‑free, easy to maintain, and adaptable to different layouts - across substations, facilities, and distribution levels.

UNISEC

UniSec and UniSec Air provide robust control and protection, metering, monitoring, and diagnostics suitable for various applications.

:

  • Modular and flexible design streamlines installation, operation, and maintenance.
  • Compatibility between UniSec Air and UniSec enables seamless integration into existing systems.
  • Equipped with a comprehensive range of monitoring and diagnostic features.

:

  • Building
  • Transportation
  • Data centers
  • Distribution
  • Renewables
  • Infrastructure, light industries

UNIGEAR

Air-insulated switchgear main product line for high demanding applications in primary power distribution.

:

  • Manufactured and supported on six continents
  • Safety interlock to avoid maloperation and fully arc-proof
  • Highly customized versions available Switchgear can be back to wall installed

:

  • Data centers, Utilities
  • Power Generation Stations
  • Off-shore platforms, Marine
  • Heavy and light industries, Infrastructure
  • Railways, Transport
  • Hospitals

For ANSI standards please click here

*    For ABB’s UniGear rail portfolio please click here.
**  UG 550 has gone to classic by March 2025. Please contact us for more information.
***UG 500R has gone to classic by July 2025. Please contact us for more information.

AIS portfolio at a glance

  UniGear ZS1 UniGear ZS2 UniGear ZS3.2 UniGear MCC UniSec UniSec Air LeanGear ZS9 ZS8.4
Max. rated voltage 24 kV 36 kV 40.5 kV 12 kV up to 24 kV up to 24 kV 12 kV 24 kV
Max. rated continuous current (busbar) 4000 A 3150 A 3150 A
400 A (feeder)		 4000 A up to 1250 A up to 630 A, up to 1250 A with LSC2B frontal withdrawable circuit breaker panel 2000 A 1250 A 
Max. rated short-time withstand current 63 kA 31.5 kA 31.5 kA 50 kA up to 25 kA up to 20 kA, up to 25 A with LSC2B frontal withdrawable circuit breaker panel 25 kA 25 kA/3s 
Insulation medium Air Air Air Air Load-break switch (LBS) GSec with SF6 gas LBS and disconnector GSec Air with dry air Air Air
Busbar Single, Double Busbar/back-to-back and double level variants Single Busbar Single Busbar Single Busbar     Single Busbar Single Busbar
Standards IEC, GB/ DL, GOST, Marine (DNV, Lloyd, RIINA, BV, ABS) IEC IEC, GB/ DL, GOST IEC, GOST, GB, DL IEC, GB/DL IEC IEC, GB/DL IEC
Applications Mission-critical and safety-sensitive environments such as marine, seismic and nuclear. Utilities, heavy industry, data centers, renewables, oil&gas, rail and transport, etc.  High demanding applications. Utilities, heavy industry, data centers, renewables, infrastructure High demanding applications. Utilities, renewables Chemical, Oil & Gas, heavy industry (mining, metals and minerals) and light industry (food & beverage) Building and Infrastructure, Industry and Transportation, Data Centers, Distribution and Renewable energy Building and Infrastructure, Industry and Transportation, Data Centers, Distribution and Renewable energy Mid to low demanding infrastructure, light industry, buildings, food and beverage, utilities Distribution network applications, Hospitals, Logistics Centers, Transport &  Railway, Thermal power stations, Water treatment facilities, Container applications

EXPLORE DIGITAL TOOLS & PRODUCT CONFIGURATORS

Partner Hub

Learning

A digital platform that provides training materials, tutorials, and courses to help you build expertise in ABB products and solutions. Accessible resources support continuous learning, professional development, staying current with the latest innovations, and advancing your professional skills.

DOCweb

The ABB online tool for designing electrical MV-LV networks faster and smarter, with real-time calculations, intelligent product selection, automated compliance checks, and instant generation of complete technical documentation, all in just a few clicks.

Product configurators

The online tools that make selecting and customizing ABB Medium Voltage products easier, helping you quickly find the best-fit solution for your technical and application needs, while reducing errors and saving time.

The ABB web portal that connects end users, customers, and partners to product information, configuration tools, training, and expert support, all in one place to simplify collaboration and accelerate projects. It provides a complete end-to-end self-service journey, from design to order placement.

 

EXPORE OUR TOOLS

Assignment Application Description
Product information 3D eCatalogue A visual tool that allows you to explore ABB medium-voltage switchgear in immersive 3D, configure solutions visually, and make informed decisions with instant access to technical details and application insights.
Product information Learning A digital platform that provides training materials, tutorials, and courses to help you build expertise in ABB products and solutions. Accessible resources support continuous learning, professional development, staying current with the latest innovations, and advancing your professional skills.
Configure a product MV switchgear configurator The product tool that enables you to create your single-line diagram (SLD), define switchgear configuration details, and instantly access comprehensive technical documentation, making project design and completion faster and more reliable.
Configure a product MV devices configurator The user-friendly online tool for selecting and configuring ABB Medium Voltage devices (circuit breakers, contactors, ...) with ease and accuracy, helping you customize solutions to fit your specific technical needs.
Configure a product Relays Online The digital platform that offers quick access to ABB protection relay tools, product data, technical documentation, and configuration services, streamlining selection, ordering, and support for Medium Voltage solutions.
Design network/BIM DOCweb The ABB online tool for designing electrical MV-LV networks faster and smarter, with real-time calculations, intelligent product selection, automated compliance checks, and instant generation of complete technical documentation, all in just a few clicks.
Design network/BIM BIMagic The design tool that simplifies the creation and management of Building Information Modeling (BIM) objects for ABB medium-voltage switchgear, streamlining project planning, integration, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

RELATED OFFERING

Gas-insulated switchgear portfolio

Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) offers a more compact switchgear footprint (vs. air-insulated switchgear) consisting of high voltage components such as circuit-breakers, disconnectors, load interrupters and branch connection bars, and several also the busbars, enclosed in a metal gas tank – leading to very low maintenance requirements. GIS can be typically found in closed and challenging environments such as metro, mining, etc – where space is limited.

SF6-free portfolio

The energy grid is undergoing a transformation as networks shift toward renewable energy sources. Decentralized generation and evolving energy storage solutions are increasing the complexity of grid management, making stability more challenging. ABB Electrification Distribution Solutions partners with businesses to navigate these changes by ensuring a reliable flow of electricity.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ABB‘s primary medium voltage switchgear products are designed to connect and protect the evolving grid. They feature robust construction, advanced safety mechanisms, high reliability, and ease of maintenance. They are designed to handle high electrical loads and provide efficient power distribution with minimal losses.

Our medium voltage switchgear products comply with international standards such as IEC 62271, GOST, GB/DL. They are also certified by leading industry bodies to ensure the highest levels of safety and performance. ABB also offers medium voltage switchgear products for ANSI standards. 

ABB provides comprehensive support services including installation, commissioning, and after-sales maintenance. Our team of experts ensures smooth deployment and ongoing support to maximize the performance and longevity of our switchgear products.

ABB’s switchgear smart solutions are designed to help our customers make data-driven decisions. Our customers can benefit from a wide range monitoring, diagnostic, automation and control features for their ABB’s air-insulated medium voltage switchgear. Contact our sales team to learn more about ABB’s smart solutions for each of our switchgear.

Air-insulated switchgear circuit breaker is typically removable or withdrawable. The circuit breaker is based on vacuum circuit technology. In the gas-insulated, it is fixed mounted. The function of withdraw is provided by a separate disconnecting switch. Typically, a three-position switch with connected, disconnected, and ready-to-earth position.

Gas-insulated switchgear requires very low maintenance as all high voltage parts are permanently protected in a gas tank from soiling, humidity, entry of foreign bodies and other environmental influences. Primary, the drives located outside gas compartment require inspection and maintenance. On the other hand, gas-insulated switchgear repair requires additional training (e.g. for gas works) and the replacement or parts may not be as easily. In the air-insulated switchgear visual inspection is recommended in regular intervals, maintenance of power parts is given in installation, operation and maintenance manual (1VLM000363).