Key dates
11 Mar 2024
Regulation applies (Art. 39)
1 Jan 2026
No putting into operation of new MV switchgear ≤ 24 kV with F-gases (Art. 13(9)(a))
1 Jan 2028
HV switchgear 52–145 kV and ≤ 50 kA, GWP ≥ 1 (Art. 13(9)(c))
1 Jan 2030
MV switchgear > 24 kV up to 52 kV (Art. 13(9)(b))
1 Jan 2032
HV switchgear > 145 kV or > 50 kA, GWP ≥ 1 (Art. 13(9)(d))
What the rule requires
Article references are to the text in the Official Journal; summaries are informational, not legal advice.
| Leak checks — Art. 5(1) | Equipment with ≥ 5 t CO₂e of Annex I gases must be checked for leaks. Electrical switchgear is exempt if (a) tested leakage rate < 0,1 %/year and labelled, (b) it is equipped with a pressure or density monitoring device with an automatic alert system while in operation, or (c) it contains < 6 kg of Annex I gases. |
| Leakage detection systems — Art. 6 | Where installed, leakage detection systems must be checked at least every 6 years to ensure proper functioning. |
| Record-keeping — Art. 7 | Per piece of equipment: gas type and quantity, quantities added during servicing or due to leakage (with dates), quantities recovered, reclaimed/recycled status, recovery undertaking. |
| Putting into operation bans — Art. 13(9) | New F-gas switchgear prohibited by voltage class from 2026/2028/2030/2032 (see timeline); derogations where no bids or only one bid within 2 years, or GWP < 1 000 medium after a procurement procedure (Art. 13(11)) — check the exact conditions. |
| Relocation — Art. 13(10) | Taking switchgear out of operation and putting it into operation at another site in the Union is not 'putting into operation' — the installed fleet can be moved. |
| Labelling — Art. 12 | Switchgear with tested leakage rate < 0,1 %/year must be labelled accordingly; labels in the Member State's official language. |
What you have to measure
- SF₆ density (temperature-compensated) per gas compartment, with alarm thresholds and automatic alert to SCADA
- Trend of density over months → leak rate (%/year) for the Art. 7 record
- Room SF₆ concentration in GIS halls, cable basements and trenches (heavier than air) for personnel safety and early leak detection
- Alternative gas mixtures (C₄F₇N/CO₂, CF₄/SF₆) on new switchgear — density and composition
// Loss of the leak-check exemption means periodic manual checks on every compartment (Art. 5) and record-keeping burden; undetected leaks are reportable emissions (SF₆ GWP 24 300 in Annex I) and, above thresholds, national penalties (Art. 31).
Tremon products for this rule
L2 · field instrument
DM-91
The monitoring device that earns the leak-check exemption.
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L2 · field instrument
IR·SF₆
Room and leak monitoring for SF₆ and refrigerants.
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L3 · system
GDC-S52
Twelve sampling points, one analyzer, automatic leak tests.
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L3 · system
GDC
Thirty analyzers, one cabinet, one SCADA link.
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L1 · OEM channel
IR·OEM
Your instrument. Our NDIR channel.
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Questions engineers ask
Does the monitoring device have to be certified?
The Regulation names 'a pressure or density monitoring device with an automatic alert system while in operation' (Art. 5(1)(b)) without a certification scheme; the alert must reach the operator. The DM-91 provides density, pressure, temperature and the alert over Modbus RTU.
Can I keep my SF₆ switchgear after 2026?
Yes. The bans in Art. 13(9) concern putting *new* switchgear into operation; installed equipment continues, and Art. 13(10) allows relocating installed switchgear within the Union.
What about GWP of SF₆ for the record?
Annex I lists SF₆ with GWP 24 300 (100-year, AR6 basis). 1 kg leaked = 24,3 t CO₂e.
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Other regulations
SF₆ switchgearF-gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573LDAR surveys, repair deadlinMethane Regulation (EU) 2024/1787Permits, BAT-AELs, continuouIndustrial Emissions DirectiveCarbon border adjustmentCBAMIndoor air quality monitorinEPBD recastToxic and combustible gas deWorkplace: exposure limits (2017/164, 20Digester control and grid-inBiomethane: REPowerEU target & EN 16723
Sources
- Regulation (EU) 2024/573, OJ L, 20.2.2024 — Art. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13(9)–(11), Annex I; text saved 2026-09-17 from EUR-Lex
- European Commission, 'Questions and answers on electrical switchgear' (ec_switchgear_faq.pdf)
// Read from the Official Journal texts on 2026-09-17. Regulations change — verify the current consolidated text before acting.