GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

CENTRAL ELECTRICITY AUTHORITY

Distribution Planning & Technology Division,
Room No. 622, 6th Floor, Sewa Bhawan
R. K. Puram, New Delhi-110066
email: cedpt-cea@gov.in

PUBLIC NOTICE

विषय : जी.आई.एस. और हाइविड जी.आई.एस. स्विचवियसस का स्पष्टीकरण।

Subject: Clarification of GIS and Hybrid GIS Switchgears.

Some references have been received in CEA regarding the clarifications on full GIS(GIS)
and hybrid GIS switchgears as some of the utilities are procuring 33 KV & 11 KV hybrid
GIS switchgears in the name of GIS switchgears.
In order to have more clarity, a draft note has also been prepared incorporating the
definition of GIS and Hybrid GIS switchgears along with advantages & disadvantages.
The same is attached herewith for comments/ suggestions.
All the Stakeholders are requested to send their comments/ suggestions on
aforementioned draft note to Chief Engineer (DP&T), Sewa Bhawan (North Wing), Room
No. 611, 6th Floor, R. K. Puram, New Delhi-110066 by post or through e-mail (cedpt-
cea@gov.in) latest by 12.09.2023.

Chief Engineer (DP&T), CEA

Dt 27-7-2023
 Note on the Clarification of GIS and Hybrid GIS Switchgears

As per clause 51(2) of CEA (Technical Standards for Construction of Electrical Plants and
Electric Lines) Regulations, 2022, the 33/11 kV, 33/22 kV and 22/11 kV Sub-stations and
Switching Stations shall be either air insulated or gas insulated or hybrid, as the case
may be; Provided that in coastal areas substation shall be GIS.

Based on the above, Discoms may choose the installation of AIS/GIS /Hybrid GIS
switchgears in the Sub-stations as per requirement , however, they should ensure the
difference between GIS and Hybrid GIS.

Definitions of different insulation technologies used for switchgears

rated up to 33 kV voltage level:
A. Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS): Switchgears where the primary insulation
medium is a gas which is used at moderate pressure for phase-to-phase and phase-to-
ground insulation of all switchgears including bus-bars. (typically sulphur hexafluoride
(SF6) is being used presently for insulation)

B. Mixed Technology (Hybrid) Switchgear: Mixed Technology Switchgear refers to

the combination of different insulation technologies within the same switchgear assembly.
It typically involves a combination of air-insulated (AIS) and gas-insulated (GIS)
compartments or modules within a single switchgear arrangement. For example: Breaker
poles may be SF6 gas insulated, and busbar is outside gas compartment in Air with solid
insulation.

Compartment & its insulation in both type of Switchgear

Sr
Compartment GIS Hybrid Switchgear
no
gas Outside gas
1 Bus bar
compartment compartment
gas
2 Circuit breaker module gas compartment
compartment
Cable termination
3 air compartment air compartment
compartment
 4 Low voltage compartment air compartment air compartment
Major Difference between GIS and Hybrid combinations:-

It is important to note that the conducting parts in the switchgear are touch-proof type
under all circumstances. Even if any of the compartments are air insulated, the live parts
of these compartments should be insulated to be touch-proof type to minimize the
possibility of faults due to inadvertent contacts such as by vermin and to ensure the safety
of the operating personnel.

Gas Insulated Switchgear Vs Hybrid Switchgear:

 Solid Insulation used in Hybrid Switchgear is not as reliable as SF6
insulation of GIS:

In GIS, busbar chamber is also gas insulated which is a sealed design avoiding dust /
rain / salt / ice penetration and humidity condensation and safe in operation while in
hybrid, silicon rubber is being used for sealing at some places. Despite having excellent
properties and durability, silicon rubbers are still prone to deterioration depending on their
service environment which may eventually lead to failure in a time frame.

 Insulation Monitoring is not possible for bus bar in case of Hybrid

Switchgear

In case of GIS with SF6 gas, the monitoring of gas pressure and quality is being done in
real time and may get alert in the case of any change in insulation level which is not
possible for busbar chamber of Hybrid switchgear which is silicon insulated bus bar, thus
reducing the reliability of switchgear.

Main Benefits/features of Gas Insulated Switchgear :

 High reliability :Gas Insulated Switchgears have a long and proven installed base
in Indian which provides the high reliability. For operations in tropical weather such as
India where the impact of humidity and temperature swings are unavoidable on the
insulating medium, fully gas insulated conductors are less susceptible to ageing. Further,
as per CEA Regulation, sub-stations at coastal areas should be GIS.

 No gas handling at site: The GIS switchgear designs utilize a sealed tank and
employ a connecting link for busbar connections between adjacent panels. This
eliminates the need of any gas handling at site under most of the conditions, thereby
reducing the environmental impact that can happen due to gas handling at site.

 Touch-Proof Type Cable termination

The benefit of touch-proof cable termination is that it enhances safety by minimizing the
risk of accidental contact. Touch-proof cable terminations are designed to prevent direct
access to energized conductors or connections, reducing the potential for electric shock
or injury.

Some specific benefits of touch-proof cable terminations include:

o Safety: Touch-proof terminations provide an additional layer of protection, for
operational personnel and other individuals who may come into contact with electrical
equipment. This helps to prevent accidental contact with live conductors, reducing the
risk of electrical accidents.
o Compliance: Touch-proof terminations often comply with safety standards and
regulations, ensuring that installations meet the necessary requirements for electrical
safety.
o Peace of Mind: By implementing touch-proof cable terminations, both operators
and users of electrical systems can have increased peace of mind, knowing that an
additional safety measure is in place to minimize the risk of accidents or injuries
associated with accidental contact with live parts.

Overall, touch-proof cable terminations improve safety, enhance compliance with

standards, and contribute to the overall reliability and integrity of electrical systems.

 Closed Door Mechanical operation of switching device (for e.g. breaker)

Be it AIS or GIS, Closed-door mechanical operation of a breaker offers several
advantages compared to open-door mechanical operation like :

o Safety: Closed-door operation ensures that the breaker can be operated without
the need to access the live parts of the switchgear. This significantly reduces the risk of
accidental contact with energized components, minimizing the potential for electrical
shock or injury to personnel.
o Internal arc resistance: By operating the breaker within the door closed, the risk
of arc flash incidents is greatly reduced as arc flash releases significant amounts of
energy, and may cause severe damage to equipment and posing a significant hazard to
personnel. Closed-door operation provides an additional barrier of protection against arc
flash incidents.
o Contamination Prevention: The closed-door operation helps to maintain the
cleanliness and integrity of the internal components of the switchgear. It minimizes the
entry of dust, debris, or foreign objects that could potentially affect the performance and
reliability of the switchgear.
o Enhanced Reliability: Operating the breaker within the door closed, protects the
internal mechanism from external influences, such as accidental bumps, spills, or
environmental conditions. This helps to maintain the reliability and longevity of the breaker
by reducing the risk of mechanical damage or operational issues.
o Simplicity and Efficiency: Closed-door mechanical operation often involves
user-friendly interfaces or mechanisms that simplify the operation process. This can
improve the efficiency of maintenance activities, reduce the time required for breaker
operation, and enhance overall workflow.
o Compliance: By adhering to these requirements, operators ensure compliance
with safety guidelines and regulations.
Overall, closed-door mechanical operation of a breaker provides a safer, more reliable,
and efficient means of operating the switchgear. It mitigates the risks associated with live
parts, arc flash incidents, contamination, and mechanical damage, ensuring a secure and
well-maintained electrical system.
Discoms should be ensured regarding GIS or Hybrid GIS switchgears before tendering
and should also ensure the installation of the same technology as per tendering
requirement.