3. Safety
Danger caused by decomposition products
Insulating gas in electrical systems may contain decomposition products generated by
electric arcs:
Gaseous sulphur fluorides
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Sulphur hexafluorides
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Solid and atomized metal fluorides, metal sulphides, metal oxides
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Hydrogen fluoride
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Sulphur dioxide
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Decomposition products can be harmful to health.
They can cause poisoning by inhalation, ingestion or contact with the skin.
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They may be irritating to the eyes, the respiratory system or the skin and burn them.
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Inhalation of large quantities may damage the lungs.
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Observe the following safety instructions in order to avoid danger from insulating gas:
Wear personal protective equipment.
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Read the material safety data sheet of the gas supplier.
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With large leaks, evacuate the area quickly.
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Ensure good ventilation.
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Ensure the leak tightness of the equipment with a leak detector (e.g. model GIR-10).
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3.7
Valid standards and guidelines
Installation, assembly, commissioning:
BGI 753 (SF₆ plants and equipment in Germany)
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IEC 61634 (Handling of SF₆ gas)
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IEC 60376 (New SF₆ gas, technical grade SF₆ gas)
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IEC 60480 (Used SF₆ gas)
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CIGRE report 276, 2005 (Practial SF₆ gas handling instructions)
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Leaks during operation:
IEC 60376 (New SF₆ gas, technical grade SF₆ gas)
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IEC 60480 (Used SF₆ gas)
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CIGRE 2002 ("SF₆ gas in the electrical industry")
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Repair work and maintenance:
IEC 61634 (Use and handling of SF₆ gas in high-voltage switchgear and controlgear)
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CIGRE 1991 (Handling of SF₆ gas)
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CIGRE report 276, 2005 (Practical SF₆ gas handling instructions)
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CIGRE report 163, 2000 (Guide for SF₆ gas mixtures)
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Insulating gas is a colourless and odourless, chemically neutral, inert and
non-inflammable gas which is heavier than air, not toxic and not harmful to
the ozone layer. Detailed information is given in IEC 60376 and IEC 61634.
WIKA operating instructions, model GDI-100-D
EN
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