ABB's Distribution Solutions

Medium Voltage Switchgear portfolio

ABB's Distribution Solutions

Secondary distribution

Connecting and protecting medium voltage transmission lines to end-users.

ABB’s medium voltage switchgear (1 kV to 52 kV according to the IEC standards) are designed to connect and protect an evolving grid. Medium voltage electrical power distribution from generating stations to industries and consumers is divided into two main parts: primary and secondary distribution. 

Secondary distribution connects the primary distribution network operating in medium voltage with end users operating in low voltage. Secondary distribution substations are usually placed within urban areas, where space is limited. 


For secondary distribution, ABB offers a wide range of air insulated (AIS) and gas insulated (GIS) medium voltage switchgear. 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.).

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ABB’s portfolio for secondary distribution

IEC / GB and other standards
ANSI standards
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Related offering

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ABB’s primary distribution portfolio
Data-Center
ABB’s air insulated switchgear portfolio
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ABB’s gas insulated switchgear portfolio
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ABB’s SF6-free portfolio
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FAQ

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

ABB‘s secondary 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 main differences between air insulated switchgear (AIS) vs gas insulated switchgear (GIS) for secondary distribution?

  • Air insulated switchgear (AIS) offers a modular and flexible design that simplifies installation, use, and maintenance. AIS is a well-known and proven technology with wide range of functional units equipped with load break switch, disconnector, removable and withdrawable circuit breakers, conventional measuring transformers, current and voltage sensors, and protection relay solutions. It offers LSC2B/LSC2A/LSC2 solutions tailored to application needs, ensuring minimal service interruption and a high level of customization to meet global demanding requirements and can be typically found in all segments. AIS technology provides:
    • suitability for cable and busbars applications, such as current and voltage transformers, surge arrestors, without the need of additional functional units in the switchgear saving footprint in the building
    • flexibility in case of future expansions which allow to increase the number of functional units in a switchgear already assembled or installed
    • modularity with preconfigured functional units and switchgears to satisfy distributors needs in terms of standardization and create stock for extra fast deliveries
  • Gas insulated switchgear (GIS) offers a more compact switchgear footprint (vs. air insulated switchgear). GIS integrates high voltage components such as circuit-breakers, disconnectors, load interrupters and branch connection bars enclosed in a sealed metal gas tank – leading to very low maintenance requirements. GIS switchgear units are engineered for versatile use in both indoor and outdoor settings, including high-altitude locations (above 1500 meters) and challenging weather and installation conditions.

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. 

What are the insulation mediums that ABB offers in gas-insulated (GIS) switchgear for secondary distribution?

ABB offers two main insulation mediums in our gas-insulated and UniSec air-insulated switchgear portfolio for secondary distribution:

  • SF6-free: with load break switch with dry air, as the insulation medium and a global warming potential (GWP) of <1. It is fully compliant with the IEC standards and the EU F-gas regulation (EU) 2024/573. Our SF6-free switchgear solution is designed with the same interface, footprint, and operations as the original SF6 switchgear version.
  • SF6 gas (Sulfur hexafluoride) as insulation medium for load break switch.

 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 is the insulation mediums that ABB offers in air-insulated secondary (AIS) switchgear?

ABB offers two main insulation mediums in our load break switch and disconnector of air-insulated secondary (AIS) switchgear portfolio:

  • SF6-free suitable for most switching applications up to 24kV, with dry air, as the insulation medium of load break switch and disconnector with a global warming potential (GWP) equal to 0. It is fully compliant with the IEC standards and the EU F-gas regulation (EU) 2024/573. Our SF6-free solution is designed with the same interface, footprint, and operations as the original SF6 version.
  • SF6 gas (Sulfur hexafluoride) as insulation medium of load break switch and disconnector.

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 secondary switchgear 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 medium voltage switchgear for secondary distribution. 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 regular maintenance of power parts such as checking of the tightening main busbars, cleaning of surfaces, lubrication is required.

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