Gas insulated switchgear (GIS)

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.

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ABB’s gas insulated switchgear (GIS) portfolio

IEC / GB and other standards
ANSI standards

Related offering

FAQ


What are the key features of ABB’s medium voltage switchgear products?

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.


What standards and certifications that ABB’s medium voltage switchgear products comply with?

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. 


What support and services does ABB provide for installation, commissioning, and after-sales maintenance?

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.


What are the insulation mediums that ABB offers in gas insulated switchgear?

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 or natural origin gases, as the insulation medium and a global warming potential (GWP) <1. 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.


What smart solutions are available for ABB’s GIS portfolio?

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 air-insulated medium voltage switchgear. Contact our sales team to learn more about ABB’s smart solutions for each of our switchgear.

 


What’s the difference in the circuit breaker for air insulated vs gas insulated?

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.


What are the maintenance requirements associated with the air insulated switchgear (AIS) vs gas insulated (GIS)?
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).
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