GAS-INSULATED SWITCHGEAR

CONNECTING AND PROTECTING AN EVOLVING GRID

ABB’s medium voltage switchgear (1 kV to 52 kV according to the IEC standards) are designed to connect and protect an evolving grid. Depending on the insulation medium that protect the energized components in the medium voltage switchgear, both primary and secondary medium voltage switchgear can be widely divided into: air-insulated and gas-insulated.

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.

Whether customers choose air-insulated or gas-insulated switchgear depends on the application as well as on some aspects such as the initial investment cost, total cost of ownership, available space and location (ie. altitude, dust, etc.). We encourage you to get in touch with our sales experts to get the right advice.

SAFERING & SAFEPLUS

ABB’s gas-insulated switchgear portfolio for secondary distribution includes the SafeRing, ring main unit (RMU), and SafePlus switchgear. SafeRing/SafePlus also offer an SF6 (sulfur hexafluoride) -free variant, called SafeRing Air/SafePlus Air, with dry air as the insulation medium and fully compliant with the IEC standards and the EU F-gas regulation (EU) 2024/573.

:

  • A wide range of functional units, easy to extend and upgrade.
  • Safe and easy for operators in both maintenance and operating conditions.
  • Designed and tested according to IEC.

:

  • Building
  • Transportation
  • Data centers
  • Distribution
  • Renewables, Industry
  • Infrastructure

ZX PORTFOLIO

ZX is the main product family of ABB’s medium voltage gas-insulated (GIS) indoor switchgear for primary distribution.

:

  • Suitable for safely and reliably in a variety of high demanding and standard applications such as utilities, industries, rail, buildings, etc.
  • The ZX family is fully compliant with most of the international standards.

:

  • Utilities
  • Food & beverage
  • Building
  • Industries
  • Transport, Infrastructure
  • Data Center, Renewable

For ANSI standards please click here

*Higher electrical performance to match the equivalent SF6 range will be progressively introduced before the EU F-gas ban dates.
**For more information on ABB’s medium voltage switchgear for China standards here.

GIS portfolio at a glance

  ZX2 ZX0.2 PrimeGear ZX0 SafeRing/ SafePlus SafeRing/ SafePlus Air
Max. rated voltage 40.5 kV 36 kV SF6-free: 12 kV
SF6: 24 kV 		 up to 40,5 kV up to 24 kV*
Max. rated continuous current (busbar) 5000 A SBB,
3150 A DBB**		 2500 A 2500 A 630 A 630 A
Max. rated short-time withstand current 40 kA 31.5 kA 25 kA up to 20 kA (24 kV), 3s
up to 25 kA (12/36/40,5 kV),
3s 		 20 kA, 3s
Insulation medium Gas (SF6) Gas (SF6) ·        Dry air (SF6-free)
·        Gas (SF6)		 Gas (SF6) Dry air
(SF6-free)
Busbar Single & double busbar gas-insulated Single busbar solid insulated  Single busbar solid insulated     
Standards IEC, GB/DL, GOST, CSA, IEEE with UL certification available on request.  IEC, ENA IEC, GB IEC and GB/DL
(12 kV)		 IEC
Applications Applications with high demanding requirements, harsh environment and sensitive and business critical processes. Industries, utilities, transport and infrastructure, data center. Applications with mid-demanding requirements. Renewables, industries. Applications with low- to mid-demanding requirements. Utilities, food & beverage, building.  Distribution, renewables, buildings and infrastructure, data centers, industry and transportation

* Higher electrical performance to match the equivalent SF6 range will be progressively introduced before the EU F-gas ban dates. 

** SBB and DBB stand for Single busbar and Double busbar, respectively

 

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.
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RELATED OFFERING

Air-insulated switchgear portfolio

Air-insulated switchgear (AIS) offers a modular and flexible design that simplifies installation, use, and maintenance. It offers LSC2B/LSC2A/LSC2/LSC1, ensuring minimal service interruption and a high level of customization to meet global demanding requirements and can be typically found in all industries.

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 offers two main insulation mediums in our gas-insulated switchgear portfolio:

  • SF6-free suitable for most 6kV to 24kV switching applications, with dry air as the insulation medium and a global warming potential (GWP) = 0. It is fully compliant with the IEC standards and the EU F-gas regulation (EU) 2024/573. Our SF6-free solutions are designed with the same interface, footprint, and operations as the original SF6 versions.
  • SF6 gas (Sulfur hexafluoride) as insulation medium.

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. However, this is a long-term strategy, and in the mid-term, we will continue offering both SF6 and SF6-free switchgear as required by our customer needs and market regulations.

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 gas-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).