Emissions of SF₆ gas from medium voltage switchgear contribute significantly to the threat of the greenhouse effect and related climate change. Eaton's SF₆-free switchgear is environmentally friendly and reduces the total cost of ownership for your business.
SF₆ has certain electrical properties that make it suitable as an insulating and switching medium in switchgear for power distribution. At the same time, it is also the most potent of the seven important greenhouse gases. Because it is not naturally absorbed or broken down, SF₆ gas can remain active in the atmosphere for up to 3200 years.
Switchgear is the last remaining loophole for SF₆ gas emissions
Although a ban is in place for all other applications, the EU Commission decided against banning SF₆ in switchgear due to a lack of alternatives. Since switchgear typically has a 40-50 year lifetime, it is critical to act now.
It's time to end the use of SF₆ in switchgear!
The use of SF₆ gas for switchgear is no longer necessary because there are reliable and cost-effective options. For example, switching in a vacuum combined with solid insulation is a safe and environmentally friendly solution. When choosing a switchgear, one should also consider inspection and maintenance costs, as well as recycling costs at the end of its service life.
More information on SF₆ gas and its impact on the environment.
Manufacturing SF₆-free medium voltage switchgear since 1960
Eaton is a pioneer in SF₆-free switchgear and has been providing power management technologies that are not only safe, reliable and efficient, but also environmentally friendly and sustainable for more than 60 years. Eaton's SF₆-free switchgear is powering tomorrow's grid today.
Xiria medium voltage switchgear
Xiria is Eaton's SF₆-free medium voltage switchgear for ring main unit and secondary switchgear applications. Here, vacuum is used as the switching medium and solid epoxy resin is used to insulate the equipment.
The highly compact switchgear panels are used to control and protect electrical equipment operated by utilities, commercial building owners and operators of distributed renewable generation assets such as solar farms and wind turbines. Xiria requires minimal monitoring and maintenance, resulting in low operating costs.
Advantages of Xiria:
- Safe in use
- Highly flexible configurations
- Low total cost of ownership (TCO)
- Environmentally friendly
Learn more about the Xiria medium voltage switchgear.
We are looking forward to your visit in hall 5 / A22.
