Traditionally, switchgear is either air-insulated (AIS) or gas-insulated (GIS). AIS requires significant space to maintain conductor separation while GIS is more compact but relies on SF6, a harmful greenhouse gas. While SF6 remains necessary for high-voltage applications, non-polluting alternatives now match GIS performance for medium- and low-voltage systems. Solid dielectric insulation, which encapsulates live parts in epoxy resin or similar materials, reduces electric fields and enhances dielectric strength.
Solid insulation switchgear: a safe alternative for substations
Solid insulation switchgear: a safe alternative for substations
Source: Eskom
