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.

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: 

  • 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.