Flyer · EN — Siemens Energy flyer for the 3AV1 Blue live tank circuit breaker up to 145 kV: vacuum switching with clean air insulation (Zero SF6, Zero F-gases), the four 'Zero' value pillars, full IEC technical data (40 kA / 3,150 A, 2- and 3-cycle break time, -60 °C capability), dimensions, and a life-cycle GWP comparison against an SF6-insulated 3AP1FG showing 25 t CO2e saved.
As the energy industry continues to strive for Net Zero, it is essential to achieve Zero Global Warming Potential (GWP) in the transmission of power as well as in its generation. That means the elimination of climate-hostile fluorinated gases (F-gases) from electrical switchgear — especially SF6. Recent EU legislation has restricted the use of these gases, with a full ban likely in the near future.
Clean air insulation with vacuum switching technology is the way forward, since this involves Zero greenhouse gases of any kind and has Zero harmful impact on the environment. The clean air technology used in the Siemens Energy Blue portfolio is well proven and already in operation worldwide — with the 3AV1 Blue live tank being a prime example of how using Zero F-gases means Zero compromise on performance.
The technology is long established: Siemens Energy has 40 years of experience in producing medium-voltage vacuum interrupters suitable for power networks up to 52 kV, and this capability has been extended to the high-voltage 145 kV level. Prototypes of these breakers began to operate on a number of sites in 2010, and the 3AV1 model has been in production since 2017 with more than 150 units delivered worldwide.
Like all Siemens Energy circuit breakers, the 3AV1 LT is designed using a tried and tested modular platform concept. The operating mechanism, control system, base frame, kinematic chain and insulator designs are based on decades of manufacturing and operating experience.
The 3AV1 delivers the high levels of performance and reliability customers have come to expect from Siemens Energy circuit breakers: reliable making and breaking capabilities; 30 full short-circuit current interruptions; 10,000 rated current interruptions; optional 2-cycle current interruption; full performance down to -60 °C ambient temperature; a zero-maintenance interrupter unit (full lifetime); and testing in accordance with IEC 62271-100, -110 and -310.
With Zero F-gases and Zero compromise on performance, the 3AV1 Blue Live Tank circuit breaker is helping to make a greener grid achievable.
Zero environmental impact: Zero SF6 and other F-gases, Zero greenhouse gas emissions, Zero GWP.
Zero impact on health & safety: Zero toxic insulation gases, Zero toxic decomposition products, Zero special safety measures needed during maintenance, Zero disposal of gases required at end of life.
Zero regulation: Zero regulations on handling of gas, Zero reporting and accounting of gases required, Zero F-gas training needed, Zero issues with current and potential legislation against PFAS F-gases.
Zero compromise on performance and reliability: high number of short-circuit and rated current interruptions, two-cycle current interruption, 10+ years of experience in high-voltage vacuum switching applications up to 145 kV, perfect for lowest temperature applications, near-Zero maintenance required.
The dimension drawing (see figure) shows a three-pole live tank breaker with 1,700 mm pole-to-pole spacing, 3,279 mm overall height above the support structure, insulator sections of 1,200 mm and 1,250 mm, a minimum ground clearance of ≥1,890 mm, and a 3,800 mm overall base width.
All values in accordance with IEC; other values on request. Rated voltage up to 145 kV — on request as 145 kV 60 Hz circuit switcher in accordance with IEEE/ANSI.
Fidelity note: the row 'Rated short-circuit breaking current, up to' is printed in the source PDF with the unit '40 kV' (transcribed verbatim below); the companion rows give the short-circuit rating as 40 kA.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Rated voltage | up to 145 kV* |
| No. of operations at rated short-circuit breaking current (40 kA) | 30 |
| No. of interrupter units per pole | 1 |
| No. of operations at rated normal current (3,150 A) | 10,000 |
| Rated break time | 3 cycles and 2 cycles |
| Rated normal current, up to | 3,150 A |
| Rated short-time withstand current, up to | 40 kA |
| Rated short-circuit breaking current, up to | 40 kV |
| Rated frequency | 50/60 Hz |
| Rated power-frequency withstand voltage | 275 kV |
| Rated lightning impulse withstand voltage | 650 kV |
| Rated duration of short-circuit | 3 s |
| Rated peak withstand current (2.7 p.u.) | 108 kA |
| First-pole-to-clear factor | 1.5 / 1.3 p.u. |
| Capacitive voltage factor | 1.4 p.u. |
| Temperature range | -60 up to +55 °C |
| Maintenance schedule | 12 years: visual inspection and checks; up to 10,000 operations at 3,150 A |
| Insulating medium | clean air |
| Mass of fluorinated greenhouse gases / mass of CO2 equivalent | 0 kg / 0 t |
The flyer compares the Global Warming Potential of the entire product life cycle of a 3AP1FG 145 kV with SF6 for insulation against a 3AV1FG Blue LT 145 kV with clean air for insulation. Over the life cycle the 3AV1 Blue LT saves 25 t CO2e. The footnote states: GWP of insulation gas = 0; GWP of power losses depends on generation mix — for a renewable energy mix (e.g. hydro, wind) GWP = 0.
The SF6 side of the comparison lists: high environmental impact, costs for special maintenance tools, costs for special trainings, costs for reporting and taxes, costs for gas recycling. The clean air side lists: no environmental impact, non-toxic, non-hazardous, maintenance-free, training-free, reporting-free, gas recycling-free.
Fidelity note: the sidebar text on this page reads 'The 8VN1 reduces the GWP significantly by substituting SF6' — carried over verbatim from the companion 8VN1 Blue GIS flyer; the chart itself compares the 3AP1FG vs. the 3AV1FG Blue LT. Chart values below are transcribed as printed (thousands separator '.' as in the source, kg CO2e).
| Life-cycle phase | 3AP1FG 145 kV with SF6 for insulation (kg CO2e) | 3AV1FG Blue LT 145 kV with clean air for insulation (kg CO2e) |
|---|---|---|
| Material / Manufacturing / Transport | 6.585 | 5.950 |
| Operation* (40 a) | 27.598 | 6.533 |
| End of life | -151 | -3.173 |
The Siemens Energy Blue portfolio covers many more F-gas-free product lines and ratings. More information is available at siemens-energy.com/blue-products and siemens-energy.com/circuit-breakers.
Published by Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG, Grid Technologies, Erlangen, Germany; for the U.S. published by Siemens Energy, Inc., Grid Technologies, Raleigh, NC, USA. © Siemens Energy, 2025. Subject to changes and errors; performance features are binding only when expressly agreed in the concluded contract.
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