Make a meaningful change for the future of our planet. Choose 3M™ Novec™ Insulating Gases as an alternative to sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆), the potent greenhouse gas commonly used to insulate and protect medium- and high-voltage electric transmission and distribution infrastructure.
The electric grid is the conduit for our rapidly improving quality of life, and its reliability is critical with little margin for error. But while the electrical power industry makes people safe, comfortable and productive, if leaks or unintended releases of SF₆ occur, this results in a significant greenhouse gas impact on the environment.
That’s why at 3M, our scientists have focused on the insulating gas needs of the electrical power industry, where SF₆ is used. The results of this extensive development and testing are 3M Novec Insulating Gases, which are used in gas mixtures to achieve comparable levels of performance with a dramatically reduced environmental impact compared to SF₆. If you’re looking to create a greener electric grid, we can help.
Developed by General Electric using 3M™ Novec™ 4710 Insulating Gas, g3™ meets requirements for high-voltage switchgear and gas insulated line (GIL) applications
Developed by ABB using 3M™ Novec™ 5110 Insulating Gas, AirPlus™ meets requirements for medium-voltage and high-voltage switchgear and gas insulated line applications.
The electrical power industry has no margin for error, so Novec-based insulating gas mixtures perform within stringent safety and reliability specifications.
Novec insulating gases are typically mixed with inert gases where the mixture offers comparable dielectric strength to SF₆.
Can be utilized in gas insulated switchgear, circuit breakers, gas insulated lines (GIL) and more.
Reduced administrative burden to report SF6 greenhouse gas emissions.
Novec Insulating Gases combine excellent dielectric performance and with a wide margin of safety for workers. Used as part of a gas mixture, Novec Insulating Gases are suitable for both medium- and high-voltage applications and are non-flammable and non-ozone-depleting. As sustainable alternatives to SF₆, Novec Insulating Gases help reduce the GHG impact in on-grid commercial equipment more than 99% and therefore provide a significant and meaningful reduction of the environmental impact.
This product was specifically developed to be a sustainable alternative to SF₆ when used in its pure form or as part of a gas mixture, providing excellent dielectric properties over a wide range of operating temperature.
This product is an ultra-low global warming potential (GWP) alternative to SF₆ developed to be mixed with other carrier gases when used for electric power equipment applications.
g3™, (pronounced "g" cubed) is GE's environmentally friendly alternative to SF6 gas, developed for HV electrical transmission equipment and using 3M Novec 4710 gas. g3™ products feature the same ratings and same dimensional footprint as the state-of-the-art SF6 equipment, with a drastically reduced environmental impact.
GE, the GE monogram, g3 and g3 logo are trademarks of General Electric Company.
Download an overview of case studies (PDF, 288 KB)
View the g3™– SF6 Alternative for High Voltage Applications case study
AirPlus™ using 3M Novec 5110 Gas has been developed by ABB as an eco-efficient alternative to SF6
First pilot installations of medium and high voltage applications are successfully running in EWZ in Zurich Switzerland since 2015. Today, AirPlus™ is being used in these applications:
AirPlus is a trademark of ABB Ag & Hitachi-ABB Power Grids.
Download the flyer (PDF, 1.6 MB)
SF6 - free medium voltage switchgear case study
ewz Oerlikon substation, Switzerland case study
ABB eco-efficient substation in Germany case study
Get answers to your questions about Novec Insulating Gases from our team, including engineers, scientists and other experts.
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