December 11, 2013 – ABB’s new 420kV high-voltage hybrid switchgear—part of the PASS (Plug and Switch System) family—integrates the functions of a circuit breaker, disconnector and earthing switch, as well as current and voltage transformers, in one product, which is pre-assembled and factory-tested.

The design enables the bushings to be rotated from service to transport position and vice-versa, a process that takes less than 30 seconds for each bushing, says ABB. The compactness of the switchgear module can help reduce the footprint of the switchgear bay, adds the company, where it is installed by up to 50% when compared with air-insulated switchgear with comparable ratings. Maintenance operations can be carried out during service, and there is no need for regular cleaning of the switchgear contacts since all active parts are gas-insulated. In addition to standard modules, a solution called the PASS M0 H offers a complete high-voltage switchyard with an ‘H’ configuration as a single product.