SF₆ (24 300) is widely used in the electrical industry to insulate and prevent electrical sparks in high-voltage equipment like circuit breakers and switchgear. It is especially effective due to its strong insulating properties and ability to stop electrical discharges. The gas is also used in medium-voltage switchgear, which is common in electrical grids and industrial power systems for safely controlling and distributing electricity. High voltage (HV) and medium voltage (MV) are the two main switchgear applications.
For medium voltage, alternatives to SF6 have been on the market for many years.
| Medium voltage switchgear | SF6 alternatives | |
| Switch | Insulating medium | Air; dry air in sealed tank + solid (hybrid), liquid; solid |
| Breaking medium | Vacuum; air | |
| Circuit breaker | Insulating medium | Air; dry air in sealed tank + solid (hybrid). Liquid. Solid |
| Breaking medium | Vacuum | |
For the case of high voltage, there has been some research and even demonstrations that there are alternative options with SF6 free gas blends, and for some applications alternative equipment is available. These alternatives still need to be widely introduced to the EU market.