Medium-voltage systems are undergoing a rapid transformation as industries seek intelligent and efficient advancements. Traditional equipment is being phased out for new technologies that deliver superior reliability and effortless upkeep. Meanwhile, SF₆ gas, a long-standing component in medium voltage (MV) switchgear, is under critical review. Since January 1, 2026, SF₆ regulations have officially taken effect, placing strict limits on its use in MV switchgear. As the industry transitions, customers are turning to alternatives like Schneider Electric’s SF₆-free AirSeT solution. Read more in this blog.
Its immense Global Warming Potential of 1kg of SF₆ equates to 24,300 kgs of CO2 is accelerating the push for groundbreaking technologies to redefine the future of power systems.
Schneider Electric’s Pure Air approach flips the script with a smart, sustainable solution – using air as the insulating medium, woven into a meticulously engineered system. This delivers a reliable insulation and vacuum interruption setup, helping utilities and industrial operators manage equipment with confidence using simple, proven technology.
A trusted solution, designed for you to breathe easy
Pure Air has the natural makeup of the air we breathe – mostly nitrogen (78–80.5%) and oxygen (19.5–22%). It is air that is filtered, purified, and pressurized, that’s sealed and used as insulation in the switchgear. This standardized solution, IEC 63360, combined with vacuum interruption technology, delivers the same performance as conventional solutions – without any fluorinated gases or proprietary gas mixtures.
Empower your team with confidence, knowing your insulation needs are effortlessly managed throughout your equipment’s lifespan.
Innovative breaking system: Shunt Vacuum Interruption (SVI)
To use Pure Air as the insulation medium, with similar footprint and operation – we needed to develop a completely radical innovation of switching technology. Schneider Electric’s Shunt Vacuum Interruption (SVI) provides a pioneering answer with its innovative and patented technology. Vacuum interrupters take on switching functions while Pure Air guarantees dependable insulation, creating a reliable system within AirSeT switchgear. Proven by years of expertise in vacuum technology, this solution combines inventive design with trusted engineering.
Operational simplicity through stable composition
Some SF₆ alternatives rely on air or CO₂ mixtures. While innovative, these blends can bring along operational complexities like:
- Keeping precise mixture ratios
- Composition shifts in case of leaks
- Contamination from arcing during closing operations
- Additional maintenance to rebalance the mix
Pure Air sidesteps all of that by using a medium with a simple composition. If pressure needs tweaking, technicians just top it with compliant air – no gas ratio recalibration required. It removes lifecycle costs, simplifying end-of-life handling, and removing toxic by-products. Pure Air MV switchgear gets a boost with Schneider Electric’s smart monitoring technology.
Breathing easy isn’t just about insulation, operational teams can feel confident and empowered while Schneider Electric’s 24/7 monitoring and advanced diagnostics, elevates Pure Air MV switchgear with real-time diagnostics, ensuring condition-based maintenance, improved service continuity and reduced risk of operational disruptions.
A practical, future-ready option for MV networks
By re‑engineering trusted approaches to meet today’s performance and sustainability expectations, pure air delivers a practical and robust alternative for today’s medium voltage networks. By combining a well‑established insulating medium, proven vacuum interruption technology, and advanced digital monitoring, Schneider Electric offers AirSeT – the leading SF₆ alternative in the market for secondary switchgears – designed for simple, future-proof, and long‑term readiness.
With Pure Air you can breathe easy, knowing their MV switchgear is future-proof, and engineered to perform for today and well into the future.
Dive deeper to understand 5 reasons to transition from SF₆ to Pure Air. Let’s continue the discussion, connect with me to learn more.
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