Developing SF₆-Free RMUs or Switchgear? How Botai Supports Conductive Component Development
The European medium-voltage switchgear industry is moving towards SF₆-free technologies.
UnderRegulation (EU) 2024/573, Article 13(9), restrictions on putting into operation medium-voltage switchgear using fluorinated greenhouse gases as insulating or breaking media took effect on1 January 2026 for equipment up to and including 24 kV. A further restriction will apply from1 January 2030 to equipment above 24 kV and up to 52 kV, subject to the exceptions provided in the Regulation. [1]
For manufacturers developing or already producing SF₆-free Ring Main Units (RMUs) and medium-voltage switchgear, the transition may involve more than changing the insulating medium.
Depending on the equipment design, it may also require adjustments to contact structures, conductive connections, component dimensions and manufacturing processes.
If you are a switchgear design engineer or purchasing manager looking for a manufacturing partner for customized conductive components, Yuhuan Botai Electric would welcome the opportunity to support your development projects.
1. Our Experience in Load Break Switch Conductive Components
At Yuhuan Botai Electric, we manufacture customized copper and aluminum conductive components for medium- and high-voltage electrical equipment.
Our manufacturing experience includes a variety of parts used in load break switches and related switching equipment.
These include:
- 1. Fixed and moving contacts
- 2. Copper contact components
- 3. Load break switch conductive connections
- 4. Copper conductive rods
- 5. Customized copper and aluminum connectors
- 6. Forged, extruded and CNC-machined conductive components
- Different component designs require different manufacturing approaches, particularly when complex geometries or customized dimensions are involved.
Examples of Load Break Switch Components We Have Manufactured
These photographs represent products we have manufactured for existing applications.
They demonstrate our manufacturing experience with related conductive components, rather than implying that every existing design has been qualified for SF₆-free equipment.
According to the European Commission, alternatives used in medium-voltage applications include air, dry air, solid insulation and vacuum interruption, depending on the equipment type. [2]
2. In-House Mold Development: From Design to Prototype
One of Botai's key manufacturing capabilities is our in-house mold development and manufacturing center.
Rather than relying solely on machining components from solid material, we can evaluate different manufacturing processes according to the geometry, material and expected production quantity.
Our capabilities include:
- Manufacturing feasibility evaluation based on customer drawings
- Mold design and manufacturing
- Forging, cold extrusion and warm extrusion process development
- Prototype and sample production
- CNC machining and dimensional inspection
- Mold adjustments based on sample feedback
By developing suitable molds and forming processes, we aim to create practical manufacturing solutions for customized conductive components.
A Closer Look at Our Mold Manufacturing Capabilities
For new component projects, our goal is to participate in manufacturing discussions early, helping customers evaluate potential production methods before committing to series production.
3. From Prototype Development to Series Production
For engineering teams, manufacturing feasibility, dimensional accuracy and sample verification are important during the development stage.
For purchasing teams, tooling costs, component pricing, lead times and production capacity also need to be considered.
Botai supports customers through the following manufacturing stages:
Drawing Review → Process Evaluation → Mold Development → Prototype Production → Inspection → Series Production
When necessary, molds and machining processes can be adjusted based on sample inspection results and customer feedback.
We can also evaluate surface treatment requirements and coordinate the relevant production processes according to the project specifications.
From Raw Blank to Finished Component
4. Supporting Both Engineering and Purchasing Teams
Whether your company is developing a new SF₆-free product platform or already manufacturing medium-voltage switchgear, choosing suitable component suppliers is an important part of the development and sourcing process.
For engineering departments, Botai can support discussions about component geometry, mold development, manufacturing processes and prototype production.
For purchasing departments, we can review drawings and expected quantities to evaluate tooling requirements, manufacturing costs and potential series-production arrangements.
We also welcome inquiries from manufacturers looking for an additional supplier for existing customized conductive components.
Our objective is straightforward: to support customers from component drawings and sample development through to repeatable manufacturing and long-term supply.
5. Are You Developing SF₆-Free RMUs or Medium-Voltage Switchgear?
If your company is currently developing SF₆-free RMUs, load break switches or other medium-voltage switchgear, we would be pleased to discuss your conductive component requirements.
You can send us:
- Component drawings (2D or 3D)
- Existing sample photographs
- Material and surface treatment requirements
- Estimated annual or batch quantities
- Technical requirements relevant to manufacturing
Our team can review your information and discuss manufacturing feasibility, mold development, prototype requirements and quotation details.
Developing New Conductive Components?
Upload Your Drawing / Request a Quotation
Share your drawings or sample photographs with Botai and start a discussion with our manufacturing team.
Upload Your Drawing / Request a Quotation
https://yuhuanbotai.com/inquiry
Yuhuan Botai Electric
Customized Copper & Aluminum Conductive Components
In-House Mold Development | Forging & Extrusion | CNC Machining | Series Production
Website:https://yuhuanbotai.com/
References
[1] European Parliament and Council — Regulation (EU) 2024/573
Article 13(9), restrictions on putting electrical switchgear into operation; relevant derogations and exceptions are addressed in the surrounding provisions.
Official EUR-Lex consolidated text:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/573/2024-02-20/eng
[2] European Commission — Electrical Equipment (SF₆): Climate-Friendly Alternatives to F-Gases
European Commission information on alternative insulating and breaking technologies used in electrical equipment.
[3] European Commission — F-Gases in Equipment and Products
Official regulatory guidance for equipment manufacturers, operators and other stakeholders, including switchgear-specific guidance.
Regulatory descriptions are provided for general information. The legally binding text and applicable exemptions should be consulted when assessing individual equipment projects.