BS EN IEC 60480:2019 - Specifications for the Re-use of Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF₆) and Its Mixtures in Electrical Equipment

Welcome to the comprehensive guide on the BS EN IEC 60480:2019 standard, a crucial document for professionals in the electrical industry. This standard provides detailed specifications for the re-use of sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆) and its mixtures in electrical equipment, ensuring safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

Overview of the Standard

The BS EN IEC 60480:2019 standard is an essential resource for anyone involved in the handling and management of SF₆ gases. Released on June 7, 2019, this document spans 54 pages of in-depth information, providing guidelines that are critical for maintaining the integrity and performance of electrical equipment.

With the ISBN 978 0 580 51017 5, this standard is recognized globally and is a testament to the commitment to quality and safety in the electrical industry. It is a standard that is not only about compliance but also about enhancing the operational efficiency and sustainability of electrical systems.

Key Features and Benefits

• Comprehensive Guidelines: The standard offers detailed instructions on the re-use of SF₆ and its mixtures, ensuring that all procedures are carried out safely and effectively.
• Environmental Responsibility: By promoting the re-use of SF₆, the standard supports environmental sustainability, reducing the need for new production and minimizing waste.
• Enhanced Safety: The guidelines help in mitigating risks associated with the handling of SF₆, protecting both personnel and equipment.
• Global Recognition: As a part of the IEC standards, it is recognized and respected worldwide, facilitating international trade and cooperation.

Why SF₆?

Sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆) is a highly effective insulating gas used in electrical equipment. Its unique properties make it an ideal choice for high-voltage applications, providing excellent insulation and arc-quenching capabilities. However, due to its potent greenhouse gas potential, the re-use and proper management of SF₆ are critical.

The BS EN IEC 60480:2019 standard addresses these concerns by providing a framework for the responsible re-use of SF₆, ensuring that its benefits can be harnessed without compromising environmental integrity.

Who Should Use This Standard?

This standard is indispensable for a wide range of professionals, including:

• Electrical Engineers: Ensuring the safe and efficient use of SF₆ in electrical systems.
• Environmental Managers: Overseeing the environmental impact and compliance of SF₆ usage.
• Safety Officers: Implementing safety protocols for handling SF₆ and its mixtures.
• Regulatory Bodies: Setting and enforcing standards for the use of SF₆ in electrical equipment.

Structure of the Standard

The BS EN IEC 60480:2019 standard is meticulously structured to cover all aspects of SF₆ re-use. It includes sections on:

• Introduction: An overview of the purpose and scope of the standard.
• Definitions: Key terms and definitions related to SF₆ and its applications.
• Technical Specifications: Detailed technical requirements for the re-use of SF₆.
• Safety and Environmental Considerations: Guidelines for ensuring safety and minimizing environmental impact.
• Testing and Quality Assurance: Procedures for testing and ensuring the quality of re-used SF₆.

Conclusion

The BS EN IEC 60480:2019 standard is a vital document for anyone involved in the electrical industry. It not only ensures compliance with international standards but also promotes best practices in the re-use of SF₆, contributing to a safer and more sustainable future.

By adhering to the guidelines set forth in this standard, professionals can ensure that they are not only meeting regulatory requirements but also enhancing the performance and longevity of their electrical systems. Embrace the future of electrical engineering with the BS EN IEC 60480:2019 standard, and be a part of the movement towards a more responsible and efficient use of resources.

BS EN IEC 60480:2019

This standard BS EN IEC 60480:2019 Specifications for the re-use of sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆) and its mixtures in electrical equipment is classified in these ICS categories:

• 29.130.01 Switchgear and controlgear in general
• 29.130.10 High voltage switchgear and controlgear
• 29.040.20 Insulating gases

IEC 60480:2019 provides criteria for the re-use of sulphur hexafluoride (SF ₆) and its mixtures after recovery and reclaiming from electrical equipment (e.g. for maintenance, at the end-of-life).
Sulphur hexafluoride (SF ₆), nitrogen (N ₂) and carbon tetrafluoride (CF ₄), are gases commonly used for electrical equipment. Taking into account environmental concerns, particular attention is paid to re-use criteria for SF ₆ and its mixtures with N ₂ and CF ₄ for its use in electrical equipment. Procedures for recovering and reclaiming used SF ₆ and its mixtures are outside the scope of this document and are described in IEC 62271-4.
This document provides several annexes on the description of the different methods of analysis, on by-products, on the procedure for evaluating the potential health effects from by-products, on cryogenic reclaiming of SF ₆, and on reclaiming recommendations.
Storage, transportation and disposal of SF ₆ and its mixtures are outside the scope of this document and are covered by IEC 62271-4. Procedures to determine SF6 leakages are described in IEC 60068-2-17.
For the purposes of this document, the complementary gases used in SF ₆ mixtures will be limited to N ₂ or CF ₄.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition, published in 2004. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
• specifications for the re-use of SF ₆ have been confirmed;
• specifications for the re-use of SF ₆ mixtures, namely SF ₆/N ₂ and SF ₆/CF ₄ mixtures are included;
• as a result of a new repartition of annexes in IEC 60376, IEC 60480 and IEC 62271-4, this new edition now contains the following five annexes:
– Annex A: Description of methods of analysis (on-site and laboratory);
– Annex B: By–products of SF ₆ and its mixtures;
– Annex C: Procedure for evaluating the potential effects on health from by products of SF ₆ and its mixtures;
– Annex D: Reclaiming recommendations.
– Annex E: Cryogenic reclaiming of SF ₆;