recto.

ai 20/10/2004 12:20:06

Electric switchgear
What regulations exist for SF6? Points to remember SF6
and sustainable development
During 1990/2000, the Electrical Distribution market, particularly in There is no restriction on use of SF6 in electrical switchgear.
Europe, experienced a major controversy concerning use of SF6.
Focused on the risks associated with the handling of switchgear In its pure state SF6 is a non toxic gas. It is not hazardous for people
containing SF6 at the start of the 1990s, the controversy then turned and contains no pollutants. It is non-flammable.
to the contribution made by SF6 to climatic change. SF6 is one of the
6 greenhouse gases mentioned in the 1997 Kyoto Protocol and as Emission of SF6 generated by the MV and HV electrical industry
such its emissions must be reduced. makes only a marginal contribution to global emissions of greenhouse
Despite a high warming potential (GWP = 22,2001), contribution of SF6 gasses. It accounts for approximately 0.1% of world emissions and
emissions from MV and HV electrical switchgear to climatic change is this figure is dropping.
marginal. It accounts for approximately 0.1% of world greenhouse gas What you need to know
emissions and this figure is dropping2. In the European community, SF6 technology currently offers the best possible compromise in terms
Sources:
1. Intergovernmental Panel Climate SF6 emissions have dropped by two-thirds since 19953. of cost, used of natural resources, efficiency, safety and compactness
Change (IPCC)
2. SF6 in the Electric Industry, of MV electrical switchgear.
Status 2000, CIGRE Working
Group 23.02
The latest conclusions of the European Commission working
3. www.capiel-electric.com group for fluorinated gases autorize SF6 use without any Schneider Electric has voluntarily introduce plan to reduce SF6
4. European regulation draft:
COM (2003) 0492-2003/0189/ restriction in electrical switchgear4. emissions on its sites producing MV electrical switchgear and from its Reduced maintenance
(COD)
products throughout their life cycle.
C
Increased reliability
Worldwide, SF6 users & producers & professional institutions &
M

competent authorities commit themselves to continuously minimise

J Safety of people
the environmental impact of SF6 used in electrical equipment.
CM

MJ
The information contained in this document conforms to the positions Greenhouse effect hazard controlled
CJ
assumed by CAPIEL and EURELECTRIC.
CMJ

What is SF6 used for?

Since 1960, SF6 has been used as an arc quenching and insulating Reduced maintenance
medium for High & Medium Voltage switchgear. SF6 is an Increased reliability
alternative to other conventional insulating and quenching media
such as oil and air. The use of SF6 gas considerably increases the
Safety of people
Greenhouse effect hasard controlled = [Benefits]
Customer, Planet
efficient utilisation of resources in energy transmission and
distribution with respect to technology, finances and people.
An overall evaluation considering all ecological, economic, safety
= [ Benefits
Customer, Planet
]
and technological aspects has proven that SF6 is an excellent
choice of insulating medium. The existing SF6 technology in the
field of energy transmission and distribution is the result of decades
of optimisation and contributes essentially to the further
development of economically efficient power distribution.

SF6 is also used in certain industrial processes (micro-electronics,

metallurgy), sound proofing of double-glazed windows and in some
manufactured products such as sports footwear. For further information contact: As standards, specifications and designs change from time to time, please ask for

DMEED104009EN
confirmation of the information given in this publication.
Schneider Electric Industries SAS
Address: This document has been
43 - 45 bd Franklin Roosevelt printed on ecological paper.
F - 92500 Rueil Malmaison cedex France
Tel: +33 (0) 1 41 29 70 00 Publishing: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
e-mail: [email protected] Concept and Design: BeCitizen
http://www.schneider-electric.com Printing:

10/2004
Art. 338911 9600439
 recto.ai 20/10/2004 12:20:06

Electric switchgear
What regulations exist for SF6? Points to remember SF6
and sustainable development
During 1990/2000, the Electrical Distribution market, particularly in There is no restriction on use of SF6 in electrical switchgear.
Europe, experienced a major controversy concerning use of SF6.
Focused on the risks associated with the handling of switchgear In its pure state SF6 is a non toxic gas. It is not hazardous for people
containing SF6 at the start of the 1990s, the controversy then turned and contains no pollutants. It is non-flammable.
to the contribution made by SF6 to climatic change. SF6 is one of the
6 greenhouse gases mentioned in the 1997 Kyoto Protocol and as Emission of SF6 generated by the MV and HV electrical industry
such its emissions must be reduced. makes only a marginal contribution to global emissions of greenhouse
Despite a high warming potential (GWP = 22,2001), contribution of SF6 gasses. It accounts for approximately 0.1% of world emissions and
emissions from MV and HV electrical switchgear to climatic change is this figure is dropping.
marginal. It accounts for approximately 0.1% of world greenhouse gas What you need to know
emissions and this figure is dropping2. In the European community, SF6 technology currently offers the best possible compromise in terms
Sources:
1. Intergovernmental Panel Climate SF6 emissions have dropped by two-thirds since 19953. of cost, used of natural resources, efficiency, safety and compactness
Change (IPCC)
2. SF6 in the Electric Industry, of MV electrical switchgear.
Status 2000, CIGRE Working
Group 23.02
The latest conclusions of the European Commission working
3. www.capiel-electric.com group for fluorinated gases autorize SF6 use without any Schneider Electric has voluntarily introduce plan to reduce SF6
4. European regulation draft:
COM (2003) 0492-2003/0189/ restriction in electrical switchgear4. emissions on its sites producing MV electrical switchgear and from its Reduced maintenance
(COD)
products throughout their life cycle.
C
Increased reliability
Worldwide, SF6 users & producers & professional institutions &
M

competent authorities commit themselves to continuously minimise

J Safety of people
the environmental impact of SF6 used in electrical equipment.
CM

MJ
The information contained in this document conforms to the positions Greenhouse effect hazard controlled
CJ
assumed by CAPIEL and EURELECTRIC.
CMJ

What is SF6 used for?

Since 1960, SF6 has been used as an arc quenching and insulating Reduced maintenance
medium for High & Medium Voltage switchgear. SF6 is an Increased reliability
alternative to other conventional insulating and quenching media
such as oil and air. The use of SF6 gas considerably increases the
Safety of people
Greenhouse effect hasard controlled = [Benefits]
Customer, Planet
efficient utilisation of resources in energy transmission and
distribution with respect to technology, finances and people.
An overall evaluation considering all ecological, economic, safety
= [ Benefits
Customer, Planet
]
and technological aspects has proven that SF6 is an excellent
choice of insulating medium. The existing SF6 technology in the
field of energy transmission and distribution is the result of decades
of optimisation and contributes essentially to the further
development of economically efficient power distribution.

SF6 is also used in certain industrial processes (micro-electronics,

metallurgy), sound proofing of double-glazed windows and in some
manufactured products such as sports footwear. For further information contact: As standards, specifications and designs change from time to time, please ask for

DMEED104009EN
confirmation of the information given in this publication.
Schneider Electric Industries SAS
Address: This document has been
43 - 45 bd Franklin Roosevelt printed on ecological paper.
F - 92500 Rueil Malmaison cedex France
Tel: +33 (0) 1 41 29 70 00 Publishing: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
e-mail: [email protected] Concept and Design: BeCitizen
http://www.schneider-electric.com Printing:

10/2004
Art. 338911 9600439
 verso.ai 18/10/2004 14:35:21

Technological advantages Conditions for use Commitments and initiatives

What technical performance does SF6 offer? Is SF6 a toxic gas? What steps have been taken by Schneider Electric to reduce emissions of SF6 ?

Reduction of insulation volumes (SF6 is twice as effective as air). No. SF6 (sulphur hexafluoride), in its pure state, is an odourless, non-toxic Schneider Electric has voluntarily introduced plan to reduce SF6 emissions
Better heat dissipation than air equipment. and chemically inert synthetic gas. It is not classed as a hazardous on its sites producing MV electrical switchgear and from its products
Sources:
High breaking capacity and low operating energy (SF6 quenching Source:
substance by legislation on chemicals. It does not contain pollutants and it throughout their life cycle.
Schneider Electric "Cahier properties are 100 times higher than air). Standard IEC 60376 is non-flammable. Industrial handling of SF6 is concentrated on 7 sites, all ISO 14001
Technique" no. 188, Properties Excellent durability. certified. The aim is to eliminate all emission of SF6 during the
and use of SF6 in MV and HV
devices In its pure state, SF6 has no toxicity and is non-flammable. manufacturing phase.
Schneider Electric "Cahier
Technique" no. 193, MV High protection against ambient conditions due to "Sealed Pressure The "Sealed Pressure System" has been extended to all MV switchgear
breaking techniques System" technology. Does SF6 and by products present a risk for people? using SF6. This technology ensures that there is no further need to refill
with SF6.
Source:
Schneider Electric "Cahier The studies conducted by the Electrical Industry, including Schneider To improve traceability and end of product life management, Schneider
Technique" no. 188, Electric, show that there is no health risk associated with normal leakage Electric mentions the presence of SF6 on all its product manuals and
Properties and use of SF6
What are the advantages of MV electrical switchgear containing SF6 during in MV and HV devices of used SF6 from switchgear. Source: describes the relevant dismantling procedure. Schneider Electric continues
installation? Schneider Electric 2003 the development of its services for the follow-up and recovery of electrical
Sustainable Development
report switchgear containing SF6 at the end of life.
Very limited space required for installation.
Favourable ergonomic conditions, due to the small volume and relatively What precautions must be taken when installing and handling MV switchgear
light weight. containing SF6 ?
Choice of site installation is independent of altitude. Have any voluntary initiatives been undertaken by producers and users of SF6 ?
C
Recommended use in severe climatic conditions (coastal, heavy industrial MV switchgear containing SF6 uses a "Sealed Pressure System".
pollution, etc.). Consequently, during transport, installation and handling, no specific Since the time the high warming potential of the SF6 became known, the
M
precaution to SF6 need to be taken. Worldwide electrical industry has taken voluntary actions to reduce
J emissions as much as is technically possible.
At the end of life, MV switchgear containing SF6 must be entrusted to For instance, the European associations of switchgear manufacturers
CM
What are the advantages during use? Source: competent professionals. Schneider Electric and inter-professional (Coordinating Committee for the Associations of Manufacturers of
MJ Guide for the preparation of organisations from the electrical industry such as EURELECTRIC, CAPIEL Industrial Electrical Switchgear and Control gear, CAPIEL) and electrical
customised "practical SF6
CJ
Extremely low probability of failure, due to the good performance level, handling instructions", and CIGRE have drawn up proper procedures intended for distributors, utilities (Union of the Electricity Industry, EURELECTRIC) agreed to
and the protection of the insulating system from any degrading influence. International Council on users and recyclers of devices containing SF6 in order to limit emission reduce measures as follows:
Large Electric Systems
CMJ
Maintenance free. (CIGRE) hazards.
N Long service life. Manufacturers of switchgear:
Low operating energy, making it easy to implement remote control and/or 1. Continuous improvement in switchgear design: minimising the amount
automation schemes. This contributes to a fast restoration of the service of SF6 per unit; maximising gas tightness of enclosures thus minimising
after a fault on the network. Are there any regulations restricting use of SF6 in electrical switchgear? leakage in service; simplifying gas handling in service.
Soft breaking, with very low creation of transient voltage disturbances. Source: 2. Reduction of emissions during development, manufacture and testing
European regulation draft: No, there are no restrictions on use of SF6. The only limitations envisaged (improved processes).
COM (2003) 0492-
2003/0189/ (COD) concern use of SF6 in consumer products and open processes. 3. Improved procedures on site for initial filling, where necessary.
4. Use of "Sealed Pressure System" technique, where possible (mainly in
What are the social & economic advantages? Medium Voltage equipment).

The design of our products containing SF6 lead to minimum consumption Users of switchgear:
of material resources (plastic, metals, etc.). 1. Improved filling procedures on site.
Relatively low cost of first installation and operation. 2. Use of sealed pressure systems, where available.
High continuity of service. 3. Better monitoring in service (for closed pressure systems).
Low visual impact, which makes social acceptance of the substation 4. Target older existing equipment with known leakage problems for
easier. repair/replacement.
Safety for the public and property, due to the low probability of serious 5. Improved maintenance procedures, including RCM (Reliability Centred
failures, limitation of fire hazard, etc. Maintenance).
6. Improved end-of-life recovery and recycling (in co-operation with
specialised disposal/recycling entities).

Reduced maintenance & increased reliability Safety of people Greenhouse effect hazard controlled
 verso.ai 18/10/2004 14:35:21

Technological advantages Conditions for use Commitments and initiatives

What technical performance does SF6 offer? Is SF6 a toxic gas? What steps have been taken by Schneider Electric to reduce emissions of SF6 ?

Reduction of insulation volumes (SF6 is twice as effective as air). No. SF6 (sulphur hexafluoride), in its pure state, is an odourless, non-toxic Schneider Electric has voluntarily introduced plan to reduce SF6 emissions
Better heat dissipation than air equipment. and chemically inert synthetic gas. It is not classed as a hazardous on its sites producing MV electrical switchgear and from its products
Sources:
High breaking capacity and low operating energy (SF6 quenching Source:
substance by legislation on chemicals. It does not contain pollutants and it throughout their life cycle.
Schneider Electric "Cahier properties are 100 times higher than air). Standard IEC 60376 is non-flammable. Industrial handling of SF6 is concentrated on 7 sites, all ISO 14001
Technique" no. 188, Properties Excellent durability. certified. The aim is to eliminate all emission of SF6 during the
and use of SF6 in MV and HV
devices In its pure state, SF6 has no toxicity and is non-flammable. manufacturing phase.
Schneider Electric "Cahier
Technique" no. 193, MV High protection against ambient conditions due to "Sealed Pressure The "Sealed Pressure System" has been extended to all MV switchgear
breaking techniques System" technology. Does SF6 and by products present a risk for people? using SF6. This technology ensures that there is no further need to refill
with SF6.
Source:
Schneider Electric "Cahier The studies conducted by the Electrical Industry, including Schneider To improve traceability and end of product life management, Schneider
Technique" no. 188, Electric, show that there is no health risk associated with normal leakage Electric mentions the presence of SF6 on all its product manuals and
Properties and use of SF6
What are the advantages of MV electrical switchgear containing SF6 during in MV and HV devices of used SF6 from switchgear. Source: describes the relevant dismantling procedure. Schneider Electric continues
installation? Schneider Electric 2003 the development of its services for the follow-up and recovery of electrical
Sustainable Development
report switchgear containing SF6 at the end of life.
Very limited space required for installation.
Favourable ergonomic conditions, due to the small volume and relatively What precautions must be taken when installing and handling MV switchgear
light weight. containing SF6 ?
Choice of site installation is independent of altitude. Have any voluntary initiatives been undertaken by producers and users of SF6 ?
C
Recommended use in severe climatic conditions (coastal, heavy industrial MV switchgear containing SF6 uses a "Sealed Pressure System".
pollution, etc.). Consequently, during transport, installation and handling, no specific Since the time the high warming potential of the SF6 became known, the
M
precaution to SF6 need to be taken. Worldwide electrical industry has taken voluntary actions to reduce
J emissions as much as is technically possible.
At the end of life, MV switchgear containing SF6 must be entrusted to For instance, the European associations of switchgear manufacturers
CM
What are the advantages during use? Source: competent professionals. Schneider Electric and inter-professional (Coordinating Committee for the Associations of Manufacturers of
MJ Guide for the preparation of organisations from the electrical industry such as EURELECTRIC, CAPIEL Industrial Electrical Switchgear and Control gear, CAPIEL) and electrical
customised "practical SF6
CJ
Extremely low probability of failure, due to the good performance level, handling instructions", and CIGRE have drawn up proper procedures intended for distributors, utilities (Union of the Electricity Industry, EURELECTRIC) agreed to
and the protection of the insulating system from any degrading influence. International Council on users and recyclers of devices containing SF6 in order to limit emission reduce measures as follows:
Large Electric Systems
CMJ
Maintenance free. (CIGRE) hazards.
N Long service life. Manufacturers of switchgear:
Low operating energy, making it easy to implement remote control and/or 1. Continuous improvement in switchgear design: minimising the amount
automation schemes. This contributes to a fast restoration of the service of SF6 per unit; maximising gas tightness of enclosures thus minimising
after a fault on the network. Are there any regulations restricting use of SF6 in electrical switchgear? leakage in service; simplifying gas handling in service.
Soft breaking, with very low creation of transient voltage disturbances. Source: 2. Reduction of emissions during development, manufacture and testing
European regulation draft: No, there are no restrictions on use of SF6. The only limitations envisaged (improved processes).
COM (2003) 0492-
2003/0189/ (COD) concern use of SF6 in consumer products and open processes. 3. Improved procedures on site for initial filling, where necessary.
4. Use of "Sealed Pressure System" technique, where possible (mainly in
What are the social & economic advantages? Medium Voltage equipment).

The design of our products containing SF6 lead to minimum consumption Users of switchgear:
of material resources (plastic, metals, etc.). 1. Improved filling procedures on site.
Relatively low cost of first installation and operation. 2. Use of sealed pressure systems, where available.
High continuity of service. 3. Better monitoring in service (for closed pressure systems).
Low visual impact, which makes social acceptance of the substation 4. Target older existing equipment with known leakage problems for
easier. repair/replacement.
Safety for the public and property, due to the low probability of serious 5. Improved maintenance procedures, including RCM (Reliability Centred
failures, limitation of fire hazard, etc. Maintenance).
6. Improved end-of-life recovery and recycling (in co-operation with
specialised disposal/recycling entities).

Reduced maintenance & increased reliability Safety of people Greenhouse effect hazard controlled
 verso.ai 18/10/2004 14:35:21

Technological advantages Conditions for use Commitments and initiatives

What technical performance does SF6 offer? Is SF6 a toxic gas? What steps have been taken by Schneider Electric to reduce emissions of SF6 ?

Reduction of insulation volumes (SF6 is twice as effective as air). No. SF6 (sulphur hexafluoride), in its pure state, is an odourless, non-toxic Schneider Electric has voluntarily introduced plan to reduce SF6 emissions
Better heat dissipation than air equipment. and chemically inert synthetic gas. It is not classed as a hazardous on its sites producing MV electrical switchgear and from its products
Sources:
High breaking capacity and low operating energy (SF6 quenching Source:
substance by legislation on chemicals. It does not contain pollutants and it throughout their life cycle.
Schneider Electric "Cahier properties are 100 times higher than air). Standard IEC 60376 is non-flammable. Industrial handling of SF6 is concentrated on 7 sites, all ISO 14001
Technique" no. 188, Properties Excellent durability. certified. The aim is to eliminate all emission of SF6 during the
and use of SF6 in MV and HV
devices In its pure state, SF6 has no toxicity and is non-flammable. manufacturing phase.
Schneider Electric "Cahier
Technique" no. 193, MV High protection against ambient conditions due to "Sealed Pressure The "Sealed Pressure System" has been extended to all MV switchgear
breaking techniques System" technology. Does SF6 and by products present a risk for people? using SF6. This technology ensures that there is no further need to refill
with SF6.
Source:
Schneider Electric "Cahier The studies conducted by the Electrical Industry, including Schneider To improve traceability and end of product life management, Schneider
Technique" no. 188, Electric, show that there is no health risk associated with normal leakage Electric mentions the presence of SF6 on all its product manuals and
Properties and use of SF6
What are the advantages of MV electrical switchgear containing SF6 during in MV and HV devices of used SF6 from switchgear. Source: describes the relevant dismantling procedure. Schneider Electric continues
installation? Schneider Electric 2003 the development of its services for the follow-up and recovery of electrical
Sustainable Development
report switchgear containing SF6 at the end of life.
Very limited space required for installation.
Favourable ergonomic conditions, due to the small volume and relatively What precautions must be taken when installing and handling MV switchgear
light weight. containing SF6 ?
Choice of site installation is independent of altitude. Have any voluntary initiatives been undertaken by producers and users of SF6 ?
C
Recommended use in severe climatic conditions (coastal, heavy industrial MV switchgear containing SF6 uses a "Sealed Pressure System".
pollution, etc.). Consequently, during transport, installation and handling, no specific Since the time the high warming potential of the SF6 became known, the
M
precaution to SF6 need to be taken. Worldwide electrical industry has taken voluntary actions to reduce
J emissions as much as is technically possible.
At the end of life, MV switchgear containing SF6 must be entrusted to For instance, the European associations of switchgear manufacturers
CM
What are the advantages during use? Source: competent professionals. Schneider Electric and inter-professional (Coordinating Committee for the Associations of Manufacturers of
MJ Guide for the preparation of organisations from the electrical industry such as EURELECTRIC, CAPIEL Industrial Electrical Switchgear and Control gear, CAPIEL) and electrical
customised "practical SF6
CJ
Extremely low probability of failure, due to the good performance level, handling instructions", and CIGRE have drawn up proper procedures intended for distributors, utilities (Union of the Electricity Industry, EURELECTRIC) agreed to
and the protection of the insulating system from any degrading influence. International Council on users and recyclers of devices containing SF6 in order to limit emission reduce measures as follows:
Large Electric Systems
CMJ
Maintenance free. (CIGRE) hazards.
N Long service life. Manufacturers of switchgear:
Low operating energy, making it easy to implement remote control and/or 1. Continuous improvement in switchgear design: minimising the amount
automation schemes. This contributes to a fast restoration of the service of SF6 per unit; maximising gas tightness of enclosures thus minimising
after a fault on the network. Are there any regulations restricting use of SF6 in electrical switchgear? leakage in service; simplifying gas handling in service.
Soft breaking, with very low creation of transient voltage disturbances. Source: 2. Reduction of emissions during development, manufacture and testing
European regulation draft: No, there are no restrictions on use of SF6. The only limitations envisaged (improved processes).
COM (2003) 0492-
2003/0189/ (COD) concern use of SF6 in consumer products and open processes. 3. Improved procedures on site for initial filling, where necessary.
4. Use of "Sealed Pressure System" technique, where possible (mainly in
What are the social & economic advantages? Medium Voltage equipment).

The design of our products containing SF6 lead to minimum consumption Users of switchgear:
of material resources (plastic, metals, etc.). 1. Improved filling procedures on site.
Relatively low cost of first installation and operation. 2. Use of sealed pressure systems, where available.
High continuity of service. 3. Better monitoring in service (for closed pressure systems).
Low visual impact, which makes social acceptance of the substation 4. Target older existing equipment with known leakage problems for
easier. repair/replacement.
Safety for the public and property, due to the low probability of serious 5. Improved maintenance procedures, including RCM (Reliability Centred
failures, limitation of fire hazard, etc. Maintenance).
6. Improved end-of-life recovery and recycling (in co-operation with
specialised disposal/recycling entities).

Reduced maintenance & increased reliability Safety of people Greenhouse effect hazard controlled
 recto.ai 20/10/2004 12:20:06

Electric switchgear
What regulations exist for SF6? Points to remember SF6
and sustainable development
During 1990/2000, the Electrical Distribution market, particularly in There is no restriction on use of SF6 in electrical switchgear.
Europe, experienced a major controversy concerning use of SF6.
Focused on the risks associated with the handling of switchgear In its pure state SF6 is a non toxic gas. It is not hazardous for people
containing SF6 at the start of the 1990s, the controversy then turned and contains no pollutants. It is non-flammable.
to the contribution made by SF6 to climatic change. SF6 is one of the
6 greenhouse gases mentioned in the 1997 Kyoto Protocol and as Emission of SF6 generated by the MV and HV electrical industry
such its emissions must be reduced. makes only a marginal contribution to global emissions of greenhouse
Despite a high warming potential (GWP = 22,2001), contribution of SF6 gasses. It accounts for approximately 0.1% of world emissions and
emissions from MV and HV electrical switchgear to climatic change is this figure is dropping.
marginal. It accounts for approximately 0.1% of world greenhouse gas What you need to know
emissions and this figure is dropping2. In the European community, SF6 technology currently offers the best possible compromise in terms
Sources:
1. Intergovernmental Panel Climate SF6 emissions have dropped by two-thirds since 19953. of cost, used of natural resources, efficiency, safety and compactness
Change (IPCC)
2. SF6 in the Electric Industry, of MV electrical switchgear.
Status 2000, CIGRE Working
Group 23.02
The latest conclusions of the European Commission working
3. www.capiel-electric.com group for fluorinated gases autorize SF6 use without any Schneider Electric has voluntarily introduce plan to reduce SF6
4. European regulation draft:
COM (2003) 0492-2003/0189/ restriction in electrical switchgear4. emissions on its sites producing MV electrical switchgear and from its Reduced maintenance
(COD)
products throughout their life cycle.
C
Increased reliability
Worldwide, SF6 users & producers & professional institutions &
M

competent authorities commit themselves to continuously minimise

J Safety of people
the environmental impact of SF6 used in electrical equipment.
CM

MJ
The information contained in this document conforms to the positions Greenhouse effect hazard controlled
CJ
assumed by CAPIEL and EURELECTRIC.
CMJ

What is SF6 used for?

Since 1960, SF6 has been used as an arc quenching and insulating Reduced maintenance
medium for High & Medium Voltage switchgear. SF6 is an Increased reliability
alternative to other conventional insulating and quenching media
such as oil and air. The use of SF6 gas considerably increases the
Safety of people
Greenhouse effect hasard controlled = [Benefits]
Customer, Planet
efficient utilisation of resources in energy transmission and
distribution with respect to technology, finances and people.
An overall evaluation considering all ecological, economic, safety
= [ Benefits
Customer, Planet
]
and technological aspects has proven that SF6 is an excellent
choice of insulating medium. The existing SF6 technology in the
field of energy transmission and distribution is the result of decades
of optimisation and contributes essentially to the further
development of economically efficient power distribution.

SF6 is also used in certain industrial processes (micro-electronics,

metallurgy), sound proofing of double-glazed windows and in some
manufactured products such as sports footwear. For further information contact: As standards, specifications and designs change from time to time, please ask for

DMEED104009EN
confirmation of the information given in this publication.
Schneider Electric Industries SAS
Address: This document has been
43 - 45 bd Franklin Roosevelt printed on ecological paper.
F - 92500 Rueil Malmaison cedex France
Tel: +33 (0) 1 41 29 70 00 Publishing: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
e-mail: [email protected] Concept and Design: BeCitizen
http://www.schneider-electric.com Printing:

10/2004
Art. 338911 9600439