” ABB SafeRing and SafePlus Air 24kV are SF6-free gas-insulated switchgear solutions designed for safe, compact, and eco-efficient power distribution. Discover how SafeRing and SafePlus Air offer reliability, safety, and sustainability with zero GWP insulation technology.”
🟢 Introduction: The Future of Eco-Friendly Power Distribution
In today’s world, the demand for sustainable and smart electrical solutions is higher than ever. Industrial and utility sectors are continuously searching for eco-friendly, reliable, and compact switchgear systems that can ensure safety and operational excellence.
ABB SafeRing and SafePlus Air 24kV represent a revolutionary step in this direction — offering SF6-free gas-insulated switchgear solutions designed for secondary power distribution.
With zero global warming potential (GWP) and high safety standards, these systems bring together innovation, performance, and sustainability — all while maintaining compatibility with existing ABB SafeRing and SafePlus platforms.
⚙️ What Is SafeRing / SafePlus Air?
The SafeRing Air Ring Main Unit (RMU) and SafePlus Air Switchgear are next-generation medium-voltage (MV) distribution systems developed by ABB.
Unlike traditional SF6 gas-insulated switchgear, these models use dry air as the insulation medium, making them environmentally friendly with GWP = 0.
🔍 Key Highlights
- Voltage rating: up to 24 kV
- Current rating: up to 630 A
- Short-time withstand current: up to 20 kA / 3s
- Internal Arc Classification (IAC): AFLR 20 kA / 1s
- Applications: Suitable for indoor and outdoor installations
The system fully complies with IEC standards and the EU F-Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573, ensuring adherence to the latest environmental and operational safety laws.
🌍 SF6-Free Innovation – A Step Toward Sustainability
SF6 (sulfur hexafluoride) is known for its superior insulating properties but has a very high global warming potential (GWP ~23,500 times CO₂). ABB’s introduction of dry air insulation eliminates SF6 completely, achieving zero greenhouse impact while maintaining exceptional dielectric performance.
This innovative move helps industries and utilities:
- Meet carbon reduction goals
- Comply with future green regulations
- Transition to eco-efficient grids
The dry air technology in SafeRing/SafePlus Air delivers reliable performance without compromising insulation strength or operational safety.
⚡ Advanced Design and Compatibility
The SafeRing and SafePlus Air are designed to seamlessly replace traditional SF6 models while keeping the same:
- Interface
- Footprint
- Operating principles
This ensures smooth retrofitting and minimum retraining for operators already familiar with ABB switchgear.
🧩 Modular and Flexible Configuration
SafeRing Air RMUs are available in multiple configurations (typically up to 4 modules), covering the most common applications from 6kV to 24kV.
SafePlus Air is a metal-enclosed compact system that supports:
- Modular or semi-modular expansion
- Integration with advanced protective relays
- Flexible automation and control using the IEC 61850 communication protocol
This design flexibility ensures that the switchgear can evolve with growing power distribution needs.
🔒 Safety at Its Core
Safety is one of ABB’s top priorities, and the SafeRing/SafePlus Air design reflects that commitment.
🛡️ Internal Arc Protection
- Certified IAC AFLR 20kA / 1s (front, lateral, and rear protection)
- Prevents injuries and ensures safety even in fault conditions
- Tested and compliant with IEC 62271-200
⚙️ Active Arc Suppression
An optional arc suppressor device rapidly detects and eliminates internal arc faults.
This prevents gas blowouts and minimizes damage, ensuring the operator and surroundings remain safe.
⚡ Downstream Earthing Switch
A built-in earthing switch ensures the section under maintenance is completely de-energized.
This reduces the risk of electrical accidents and ensures safe, efficient maintenance.
🧰 Other Safety Features
- Modified gas enclosure design for higher filling pressure
- Monitoring and diagnostic systems for preventive maintenance
- Same operation procedure as SF6 units — no additional training needed
🧠 Technical Superiority and Endurance
ABB’s SafeRing and SafePlus Air 24kV are engineered for high mechanical durability and long service life.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Rated Voltage | 24 kV |
| Rated Current | 630 A |
| Short-time Withstand Current | 20 kA / 3s |
| Peak Withstand Current | 50 kA |
| Rated Lightning Impulse Voltage | 125 kV |
| Rated Power Frequency Voltage | 50 kV |
| Mechanical Endurance | Up to 10,000 operations |
| Frequency | 50 Hz |
| Environmental Altitude | >1500 m |
| Insulation Pressure | 250 kPa (absolute) |
This robust construction ensures consistent reliability, even in harsh environmental conditions like high altitudes and humid climates.
🔧 Modules Overview
ABB’s modular approach allows flexible configurations tailored to specific applications. The key modules include:
🔸 C-Module
- Cable & line charging current: 60 A / 1.5 A
- Earth-fault breaking current: 180 A
- Short-circuit making current: 50 kA
- Endurance class: E3, C2, M1
🔸 F-Module
- Active load breaking current: 200 A
- Short-circuit breaking current: 20 kA
- Endurance class: M1
- Downstream earthing switch withstand: 2.5 kA / 1s
🔸 V-Module
- Short-circuit breaking current: 20 kA
- Operation sequence: O-0.3s-CO-15s-CO
- Endurance class: E2, C2, S1, M2
- Earthing switch withstand: 20 kA / 3s
Each module is precision-engineered for performance, safety, and reliability, making SafeRing and SafePlus Air a preferred choice for utilities and industries.
🌐 Smart Automation and Digital Integration
SafeRing and SafePlus Air units are future-ready with built-in digitalization capabilities.
- Compatible with IEC 61850 communication protocols
- Supports smart grid integration
- Enables real-time data acquisition and remote monitoring
Through these intelligent functions, operators can:
- Monitor system performance remotely
- Predict faults using diagnostic data
- Integrate with advanced distribution management systems (ADMS)
This not only enhances reliability but also minimizes downtime and maintenance costs.
♻️ Environmentally Responsible Manufacturing
ABB has implemented clean production processes and designed SafeRing/SafePlus Air systems for high recyclability at the end of their lifecycle.
🌱 Environmental Benefits:
- Zero SF6 emissions during operation
- Minimal maintenance, reducing waste and material use
- Recyclable materials, supporting circular economy principles
- Compliant with EU 2024/573 F-Gas Regulation
ABB’s focus on sustainable design ensures a long-term reduction in carbon footprint while supporting global green energy initiatives.
🧾 Key Customer Benefits
Here’s a quick summary of why SafeRing and SafePlus Air stand out:
| Category | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | SF6-free dry air insulation, GWP = 0 |
| Compliance | Meets IEC and EU environmental standards |
| Safety | IAC AFLR 20kA/1s certified, arc suppression system |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance, sealed gas tank design |
| Reliability | 10,000 operation endurance, internal arc tested |
| Flexibility | Modular/semi-modular, easy expansion |
| Digitalization | Supports IEC 61850 for smart automation |
| Durability | Operates at altitudes >1500 m, compact footprint |
🏭 Applications Across Industries
SafeRing and SafePlus Air 24kV systems are suitable for various electrical distribution environments, including:
- Utilities and substations
- Commercial buildings and industrial complexes
- Renewable energy farms (solar, wind)
- Data centers and hospitals
- Mining and oil & gas facilities
Their compact design and high reliability make them ideal for secondary distribution networks where space, safety, and sustainability are key.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1️⃣ What makes SafeRing and SafePlus Air SF6-free?
They use dry air instead of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) as the insulation medium, achieving zero greenhouse impact.
2️⃣ Are these systems compatible with existing ABB switchgear?
Yes. They maintain the same footprint and operation principles as traditional SafeRing/SafePlus units, ensuring easy replacement.
3️⃣ What is the rated current and voltage?
SafeRing/SafePlus Air are rated for 24kV and up to 630A continuous current.
4️⃣ Are they suitable for outdoor use?
Absolutely. The design supports both indoor and outdoor applications, even in harsh environmental conditions.
5️⃣ How does ABB ensure operator safety?
With internal arc classification (IAC AFLR 20kA/1s) and active arc suppression systems, operators are protected from potential hazards.
6️⃣ Is maintenance required frequently?
No. All high-voltage parts are sealed in gas tanks, providing very low maintenance requirements.
7️⃣ Does ABB offer remote monitoring features?
Yes. Through IEC 61850 protocols, the system supports remote diagnostics and automation integration.
🧩 Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Environmentally friendly – SF6-free with GWP = 0
- High mechanical endurance (10,000 operations)
- Compact and modular design
- Compliant with IEC and EU F-Gas standards
- Excellent safety and reliability features
- Low maintenance requirements
- Smart grid ready via IEC 61850
⚠️ Cons:
- Slightly higher initial cost due to new technology
- May require availability checks for local service centers
- Limited awareness in regions still dependent on SF6 systems
🔚 Conclusion: A Sustainable Future with ABB SafeRing & SafePlus Air
The ABB SafeRing and SafePlus Air 24kV switchgear represent the next generation of SF6-free power distribution solutions.
By combining environmental responsibility, operator safety, and digital readiness, ABB has set a new benchmark for modern electrical systems.
Whether for industrial plants, renewable energy, or smart grid infrastructure, SafeRing and SafePlus Air deliver unmatched reliability, compliance, and eco-efficiency — all packed into a compact, future-proof design.