Vacuum interrupters have the low environmental impact required for today´s medium voltage switching applications

Vacuum interrupters offer the lowest environmental impact of all medium voltage switching technologies over the entire product life cycle. Vacuum interrupters are comprised of materials that are all environmentally benign and safe to handle during periodic out-of-service maintenance and at end-of-life disposal. Vacuum interrupters can perform well in all medium voltage switching applications required in modern power systems with exceptionally long life and low maintenance. In contrast, SF₆, the other major technology for circuit interruption, is an extremely potent greenhouse gas. In addition, SF₆ arc by-products possess significant health concerns for handling and disposal. Environmental concerns have spurred increasing regulation of the manufacture and use of SF₆, leading to higher costs for purchase, usage and disposal. Accordingly, environmental protection agencies have recommended that alternatives to SF₆ be used wherever such alternatives are viable. By choosing switching devices employing vacuum interrupters, the user can obtain the benefits of both excellent switching performance and low environmental impact