Views: 0 Author: Luna Publish Time: 2026-09-17 Origin: Zhejiang Shengxian Electric Technology Co., Ltd
In our previous article, we covered the difference between air-insulated and gas-insulated switchgear. Some customers asked: Is there only one type of gas-insulated switchgear?
No. Gas-insulated switchgear (C-GIS) can be classified in several ways — by insulating gas, by structure, and by function. Different types suit different applications and budgets.
This article breaks down the categories clearly.
This is the most fundamental classification, determining both environmental impact and cost.
Gas Type | Description | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
Pure SF6 | Traditional solution with the best insulation and arc-quenching performance | Insulation strength 2–3 times that of air, but SF6 is a greenhouse gas |
SF6 Gas Mixture | e.g., 70% N₂ + 30% SF6 | Reduces SF6 usage and environmental impact while maintaining good insulation performance |
Eco-Friendly Gas | Dry air, pure N₂, or synthetic gases | Completely SF6-free — best environmental performance, but requires larger dimensions to compensate for lower insulation strength |
Selection guidance:
Cost-sensitive, no strict environmental requirements → Pure SF6
Balancing performance and environmental concerns → SF6 gas mixture
Strict environmental requirements → Eco-friendly gas
Gas-insulated switchgear comes in two main enclosure structures.
Structure Type | Description | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
Cylindrical | Cylindrical gas tank design, used by some other brands | Robust construction, but relatively larger in size |
Cubicle | Rectangular cabinet-type gas tank, used by some other brands | Compact design — accounts for 70–85% of current market demand |
Cubicle type is now the mainstream. It is more compact and easier to combine side-by-side with other panels — ideal for electrical rooms with limited space.
Configuration | Description | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
Common tank | Multiple circuits share one gas tank | More compact, lower cost |
Separate tank | Each panel has its own gas tank, connected by bus couplers | High flexibility — individual panels can be replaced independently |
Common-tank design suits electrical rooms with concentrated circuits. Separate-tank design suits applications requiring phased expansion or independent maintenance per panel.
This determines what protection the panel can provide.
Function Type | Main Components | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
Load break switch panel (C panel) | Load break switch | Terminal distribution, ring network feeding (no short-circuit protection) |
Switch-fuse combination panel (F panel) | Load break switch + fuse | Distribution circuits requiring short-circuit protection |
Circuit breaker panel (V panel) | Vacuum circuit breaker | High-reliability applications (data centers, hospitals) |
PT / Metering panel | Voltage transformers, metering devices | Voltage measurement and energy metering |
Classification | Types | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
By gas | Pure SF6 / Gas mixture / Eco-friendly gas | Environmental impact vs cost |
By structure | Cylindrical / Cubicle | Cubicle type is mainstream |
By gas tank | Common tank / Separate tank | Common is compact; separate is flexible |
By function | Load break switch / Combined apparatus / Circuit breaker | Determines protection capability |
Gas-insulated switchgear is not “one type of panel” — it is a broad category. When selecting, start by determining the insulating gas (environmental requirements), then the structure (space conditions), and finally the function (protection needs).
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Contact us:
Web: https://yqsxdl.en.made-in-china.com/
WhatsApp: +195 1818 9858
Mail: lunahe927@gmail.com
