SF6-FREE
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. With our new SF6-free switchgear portfolio for primary and secondary distribution, we support utilities and industries on their energy transition journey. Our solutions range use the same interface, footprint, proven components, and operation as the existing portfolio. As new regulations emerge, our technology helps customers adapt to a future-ready grid while meeting regulatory requirements.
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.
- Partner Hub
- Virtual Training Center
- 3D eCatalogue
- BIMagic Designer
- Tools filter
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. |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is a synthetic gas used in medium-voltage (MV) switchgear for insulation and arc quenching. It has an extremely high global warming potential (GWP) - 24,300 times greater than CO₂ - making it a major contributor to climate change if not handled properly.
Under EU Regulation (EU) 2024/573, SF6 and other fluorinated gases are being phased out in electrical switchgear. The F-Gas Regulation bans the use of SF6 in new MV electrical equipment up to 24 kV by January 1st 2026 and up to 52 kV by 2030. The EU’s F-Gas Regulation, which applies to all EU member states, aims to reduce potent and harmful greenhouse gas emissions, including SF6, by two-thirds by 2030 compared to levels in 2014.
The US state of California has introduced a similar ban, phasing out the use of SF6 in gas-insulated equipment starting in 2025, while the United Kingdom is also working on equivalent F-gas legislation.
Non-compliance can result in legal sanctions determined by national authorities. Operators are responsible for ensuring compliance, including proper documentation, leak checks, and use of certified personnel for handling F-gases.
The regulation allows only non-F-gas insulation and break media for MV switchgear ≤ 24kV from January 1st, 2026. Acceptable alternatives include:
- Dry air.
- Vacuum technology.
- Natural-origin gases.
For higher voltage levels, F-gases with GWP < 1 are permitted. ABB’s SF6-free technologies use dry air and vacuum interrupters, fully compliant with EU standards.
ABB offers SF6-free switchgear for secondary distribution using dry air technology for 24kV including:
- SafeRing/SafePlus Air (Up to 24 kV)
- UniSec Air (Up to 24 kV)
- GSec Air (Up to 24 kV), switch disconnector
- Regulatory compliance: Meet EU 2024/573 requirements to remove SF6-gas from your operations.
- Environmental impact: Zero (GWP) achieved with dry air insulation.
- Compatibility: UniSec Air and SafeRing/SafePlus Air are built to handle today’s demands and tomorrow’s challenges, following on the footprint of the original product families previously engineered.
- Adaptability: ABB dry air solutions are designed for the evolving needs of distributed energy resources, renewables integration, and digital grids.
ABB's sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)-free switchgear product range for secondary distribution uses the same user interface, footprint, proven components, and operations as the existing portfolio. We deliver the same quality and reliability our customers expect from us. The SF6-free solution is fully compliant with IEC standards and the EU F-gas regulation (EU) 2024/573 and has global warming potential (GWP) of zero.
ABB’s SF6-free switchgear product range for secondary distribution uses the same user interface, footprint, proven components, and operations as the existing portfolio, delivering the same quality and reliability our customers expect from us and enabling a smooth transition to the EU F-gas regulation.