In the Electrical Sector, Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) is primarily used for insulation and arc quenching in medium-voltage and high-voltage equipment. Electrical equipment manufacturers first started experimenting with the use of SF6 as an equipment insulator in the late 1930’s albeit for only a few specific applications. Today, equipment most commonly insulated by SF6 includes switchgear, circuit breakers, gas insulated substations (GIS) and gas-insulated lines (GIL). But other equipment such as transformers, instrument transformers and medium- and high-voltage electrical bus may also be insulated by the gas. Besides insulation with ambient air, SF6 is by far the most common insulation technology used for switching and breaking devices, particularly in the high-voltage class. For medium-voltage equipment, it is most common in equipment with relatively low interrupting or switching ratings.
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About Us
The SF6 & Alternatives Coalition is an industry organization for discussion of SF6 and alternative insulation technologies as used in electric transmission and distribution equipment, as well as a forum for industry interaction with public officials surrounding emissions reporting and reduction regulations.
The SF6 & Alternatives Coalition is administered by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).