UniSec & UniSec Air

Modular air-insulated switchgear for all applications in secondary power distribution up to 24 kV. Flexible and Reliable SF6 and SF6-Free Technology.

UniSec & UniSec Air

 

UniSec is an indoor air-insulated switchgear for medium voltage secondary distribution up to 24kV. It offers a broad portfolio of functional units and technical features and is suitable for a wide range of applications including industry, renewable energy plants, distribution and transformer substations, data centers, small generation systems, buildings and infrastructure, and smart grids.   

 

UniSec also offers a sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) free variant called UniSec Air. The new switchgear includes the switch disconnector and disconnector GSec Air. This new component has a dedicated vacuum interrupter for breaking capacity as the insulation medium with a global warming potential (GWP) of zero. The switchgear also contains a vacuum circuit breaker and is fully compliant with IEC standards and the EU F-gas regulation (EU) 2024/573.

 

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

UniSec

  • Removable and withdrawable SF6 and vacuum circuit breakers
  • Suitable and certified for installation in the most severe conditions like marine, areas with high seismic hazards, and low temperature environments

 

 

 

UniSec Air

  • GSec Air General purpose switch according to IEC 62271-103
  • GSec Air with dry air insulation medium with Global warming potential (GWP) of 0
  • Compact GSec Air with limited volume (<25 liters) 
  • Removable and withdrawable vacuum circuit breakers
  • Modular and flexible design allows for better accessibility to MV cable connection and simplifies installation, use, and maintenance

UniSec, SF6 

Switch disconnector GSec with SF6 gas.

ABB’s complete transition to SF6 -free switchgear will be phased in line with our ambitious sustainability targets, evolving regulatory deadlines, market demand, and production capacity.

UniSec Air, SF6-free 

Switch disconnector and disconnector GSec Air with dry air and dedicated vacuum interrupter for breaking capacity.

 

Product scope

See below a quick comparison of our UniGear products:
  UniSec UniSec Air
Max. rated voltage
 up to 24 kV up to 24 kV 
Max. rated continuous current (busbar) up to 1250 A up to 630 A,  up to 1250 A with LSC2B frontal withdrawable circuit breaker panel
Max. rated short-time withstand current up to 25 kA up to 20 kA, up to 25 A with LSC2B frontal withdrawable circuit breaker panel
Insulation medium Switch disconnector GSec with SF6 gas Switch disconnector  and disconnector GSec Air with dry air
Standards IEC IEC
Other High duty circuit breakers with M2 (10000 operations) mechanical endurance  High duty circuit breakers with M2 (10000 operations) mechanical endurance 
Applications Building and infrastructure, industry and transportation, data centers, distribution and renewables
 Building and infrastructure, industry and transportation, data centers, distribution and renewables

* ABB’s complete transition to SF6 -free switchgear will be phased in line with our ambitious sustainability targets, evolving regulatory deadlines, market demand, and production capacity

Customer benefits

Flexible and modular design

This flexible design offers ultimate versatility with a wide range of functional units (from circuit breakers to protection relays) suitable for all indoor applications. Its modularity simplifies installation, operation, and maintenance, and full compatibility between UniSec Air and UniSec ensures effortless integration and easy future expansion, supporting a high degree of customization to meet global needs.

Safe and Reliable Operation

The system ensures safe and reliable operation through comprehensive mechanical and electrical interlocks, maximizing operator protection. Safety is further enhanced by internal arc classification and tailored gas exhaust configurations. Dedicated Service Continuity Solutions (LSC2B/LSc2A/LSC2) are available to minimize service interruption and guarantee high availability when needed most.

Smart Monitoring and Maintenance

Equipped with a comprehensive set of monitoring and diagnostic features, the system provides continuous operational insights to optimize switchgear performance. This smart capability supports a proactive, preventive maintenance strategy, significantly reducing unexpected failures, lowering maintenance costs, and extending the equipment's overall lifespan.

Insights

From Future Proofing to Field Proven

Over the past four years, ABB and Enedis have co-developed a completely SF6-free switchgear system tailored to the French market. The result: a reliable, regulation-ready solution deployed by Enedis — and a long-term partnership built on a shared innovation approach.

UniSec Air MV Switchgear – the power to adapt

UniSec Air is a medium-voltage switchgear designed for secondary distribution up to 24 kV, 630 A, 20 kA. It contains GSec Air, a general purpose three-position switch disconnector or disconnector for frequent switching applications, with dry air as the insulation medium – that has a global warming potential (GWP) of zero and vacuum interrupter for breaking capacity. UniSec Air is fully compliant with IEC standards and the EU F-gas regulation (EU) 2024 / 573.

Making the switch from SF6 - power to adapt

A critical change is coming to Europe’s medium-voltage infrastructure. From January 2026, the use of SF6 in medium-voltage switchgear up to certain voltage levels will be restricted in the European Union. Andrea Estrada-Hein, EVP, Global Business Line Switchgear shares what you need to know — and why now is the time to act.

Try our Medium Voltage Tools

There is a Medium Voltage tool for every switchgear and its applications. Click the button below to try them.

Related offering

Unigear ZS1

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

ABB’s gas-insulated switchgear portfolio

Connecting and protecting an evolving grid

ABB’s air-insulated switchgear portfolio

Connecting and protecting an evolving grid.

Service

Our service help you stay ahead by turning these challenges into opportunities for efficiency and innovation.

Circuit breakers

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

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference between UniSec and UniSec Air is the insulation medium of the main components:

  • UniSec has switch disconnector GSec with SF6 gas (sulfur hexafluoride) as the insulation medium, both with SF6 and vacuum circuit breakers alternative technologies
  • UniSec Air has switch disconnector and disconnector GSec Air with dry air as the insulation medium and vacuum circuit breakers with a global warming potential (GWP) of 0. It is fully compliant with the IEC standards and the EU F-gas regulation (EU) 2024/573.

UniSec Air has the same footprint as the original UniSec, with identical width, depth and height.

Yes, UniSec Air is fully compatible with UniSec switchgear. 

For UniSec Air the disconnector is used in the units in combination with circuit breaker.