UniGear ZS1

SF₆‑free compliant air‑insulated switchgear up to 24 kV for primary distribution. Designed for future compliance, easy maintenance and flexible deployment in utility and industrial networks.

<p>As part of ABB’s UniGear portfolio, UniGear ZS1 offers proven reliability, flexible configuration and ease of maintenance without gas handling. Supported by ABB components certified for use in mission-critical sectors – including marine – and compliant with global standards, UniGear ZS1 delivers uninterrupted performance continuity needed for tomorrow’s grid.</p>

Future compliance without complexity

<p>SF₆‑free by design, UniGear ZS1 supports evolving regulations and long‑term grid requirements - without added complexity or retrofits.​</p>

Simpler maintenance for smoother operations

<p>Designed for easy access, UniGear ZS1 simplifies maintenance with front‑access architecture and a withdrawable breaker - enabling faster servicing, reduced downtime, and smoother day‑to‑day operation.</p>

Proven reliability and design flexibility​

<p>Available in multiple configurations, UniGear ZS1 adapts to complex layouts and space constraints - delivering performance for utility and industrial primary distribution applications.​</p>

Browse UniGear ZS1 variants

<p>UniGear ZS1 is built as a single busbar, double busbar/back-to-back and double level solution and comes in 500mm, 650mm, 800mm and 1000 mm widths – fully compatible with other UniGear panels and with international standards.</p>

Single Busbar

UniGear ZS1 single busbar is available in widths 500, 650, 800 and 1000 mm compatible with UniGear MCC panels.

Highly customizable to meet various customer needs and supported by comprehensive product life cycle services.

All operations with breaker and disconnectors from the front side.


Benefits:

  • Future compliance without complexity: Fully arc‑proof with safety interlocks to help prevent maloperation and enhance personnel safety.
  • Simpler service for smoother operations: Designed for straightforward operation and efficient installation, supporting reliable day‑to‑day performance.
  • Proven reliability and design flexibility: Highly customizable configurations enable adaptation to a wide range of applications, including back‑to‑wall installation for space‑constrained substations.
  • Manufactured and supported on six continents, ensuring consistent quality and global availability.

Typical Applications:

  • Utility substations
  • Industry (Mining, Cement plants, Minerals etc.)
  • Off-shore platforms
  • Power Generation Stations
  • Hospitals

Technical Features:

  • Standards: IEC, CSA, GB/DL, GOST
  • Design: LSC2B, PM 
  • Internal arc class: A-FLR

Double Busbar

UniGear ZS1  double busbar is available as a single busbar system in the double level configuration. The UniGear ZS1 double level switchgear is mainly distinguished by its efficient use of space. All the configurations allow a drastic reduction in the

space occupied, with special regard to the width of the switchgear (30...40% less in typical configurations).

All operations with circuit breaker/contactor and disconnectors from the front side.

 

Benefits:

  • Safety interlocks to avoid maloperation and fully arc-proof
  • Can be compound with simple and double-level panels to reduce space requirements
  • Can be used as motor control center up to 12kV
  • Customized versions available
  • All key components are identical to those used for the single-level units and therefore the same service and maintenance procedures are guaranteed.

Typical Applications:

  • Marine
  • Floating production storage and offloading applications (FPSO)
  • Motor control centers

Technical Features:

  • Standards: IEC
  • Design: LSC2B, PM
  • Internal arc class: A-FLR

Double Level

UniGear ZS1 double level offers the most compact solution for double busbar application on the market.

Ensured service continuity during inspection and maintenance based on two busbar systems, two busbar-disconnectors and one circuit-breaker.

All operations with breaker and disconnectors from the front side.


Benefits:

  • All key components are identical to those used for the single-level units and therefore the same service and maintenance procedures are guaranteed.
  • Safety interlock to avoid maloperation and fully arc-proof
  • Can be compound with simple and double-level panels to reduce space requirements
  • Can be used as motor control center up to 12kV
  • Customized versions available

Typical Applications:

  • Marine
  • Floating production storage and offloading applications (FPSO)
  • Motor control centers

Technical Features:

  • Standards: IEC
  • Design: LSC2B, PM
  • Internal arc class: A-FLR

Product scope

Learn more about our product scope.
  Single busbar Double busbar/ Back-to-back (Duplex) Double level
Max. Rated voltage 24 kV

24 kV

 17.5 kV
Max. rated continuous current (busbar) 4000 A 4000 A 1600 A
Max. rated short-time withstand current 63 kA 31.5 kA 50 kA
Busbar Single busbar Double busbar/back-to-back (Duplex)
 Double level
Industries Mission-critical, incl. safety-sensitive environments such as marine or seismic. Utilities, mining, metals, minerals, data centers, food & beverage, rail, etc.
 Mission-critical applications, incl. utilities, industry and data centers Mission-critical applications, incl. mining, metals, minerals, marine and transportation

Medium Voltage Sensors for UniGear ZS1

ABB’s AdvaSense™ medium voltage indoor sensors—also known as Low-power Instrument Transformers (LPITs)—use Rogowski coils or voltage dividers to replace conventional transformers. These compact, safer alternatives offer standardized ratings and expanded functionality, especially when paired with Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) like protection and control relays. Learn more about AdvaSense™ sensors.

Insights

Future-ready power: Major infrastructure upgrade at BorsodChem MCHZ chemical plant

BorsodChem MCHZ, one of Central Europe’s leading suppliers of chemical raw materials, faced a critical challenge: modernizing a power distribution network that had been in place for over 50 years - without interrupting production.

Enexis expands grid capacity to strengthen the Dutch electricity network

Electrification, evolving regulations, and growing demand are reshaping the Dutch power grid. Enexis’ modernization program demonstrates how effective planning, advanced technology, and collaboration enable a reliable electricity supply across the Netherlands today and in the future.

Small company realizes big visions

From a distance, it looks like a classic barn, but behind the traditional red-painted facade lies a state-of-the-art substation. Vallebygdens Energi is building a brand-new substation in Southern Sweden, in collaboration with ABB and Vattenfall Services – a partnership that ensures electricity for future generations.

Related offering

UniGear family

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

Gas-insulated switchgear portfolio

Connecting and protecting an evolving grid

Air-insulated switchgear portfolio

Connecting and protecting an evolving grid.

Circuit breakers

Key components to ensure continuous power flow to industrial, commercial, and residential users.

Frequently Asked Questions

UniGear ZS1 is available in single busbar, double busbar/back‑to‑back, and double‑level configurations to match different layout, operational, and availability requirements. The best configuration depends on factors such as voltage level, rated current, space constraints, and operational needs. ABB tools and specialists can support selection for your specific primary distribution application.

UniGear ZS1 combines an SF₆‑free air‑insulated design with easy access for maintenance and flexible configurations for primary distribution up to 24 kV. It supports future compliance without complexity, simplifies maintenance through front access and a withdrawable circuit breaker and adapts to complex layouts without compromising performance.

UniGear ZS1 is designed for primary distribution applications in utility and industrial environments. Typical use cases include substations, industrial facilities, data centers, energy infrastructure and other demanding installations requiring flexible layouts, accessible maintenance, and future‑ready compliance.

Yes. UniGear ZS1 can be complemented with ABB grid components - such as protection relays, sensors, and arc‑mitigation solutions - when required by the application. These components support advanced protection, monitoring, and system integration using standard communication protocols, including IEC 61850.

ABB provides comprehensive support throughout the UniGear ZS1 lifecycle, including engineering support, installation guidance, training, and maintenance services. Customers can access documentation, digital tools, and expert assistance to ensure safe operation and long‑term performance. You can find more information here.