When a gas-insulated breaker (GCB) or gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) fails, the risks extend far beyond lost equipment. Given the critical role these assets play in transmission and substation reliability, Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) supported by laboratory diagnostics is essential.
At TJ|H2b Analytical Services, our Breaker Gas Analysis, BGA®, is a proprietary diagnostic program designed to deliver precise, actionable insight into the condition of SF₆-filled equipment. Instead of relying solely on fixed maintenance intervals or reactive inspection cycles, BGA® enables utilities and industrial operators to assess gas health, detect internal deterioration, and plan maintenance activities based on true equipment condition.
What is BGA® Diagnostic Testing & What Does It Cover?
With over 25 years of expertise, TJ|H2b is an industry leader in condition-based maintenance programs for high-voltage equipment.
Our Breaker Gas Analysis (BGA®) provides a time-proven analytical method for assessing SF₆ quality and identifying contaminants that affect performance, safety, and equipment longevity. Here are some of the advantages of BGA®:
1. Comprehensive Test Suite
The BGA® program includes several key diagnostic parameters:
- Decomposition Product Analysis: Detects gases such as SO₂ and SOF₂ that form during arcing or internal faults.
- Air Content: Determines contamination by atmospheric gases that can compromise insulation.
- Moisture Analysis: Identifies water vapor presence, which accelerates corrosion and reduces dielectric strength.
- Dielectric Breakdown Voltage: Measures insulating capability to ensure the gas maintains proper electrical performance.
- Diagnostic Evaluation: Integrates results to determine the operating condition of the gas-filled equipment.
These analyses provide diagnostic insight into both gas quality and breaker health, helping operators understand whether internal faults, leaks, or degradation are occurring.
2. Reducing Equipment Maintenance Costs
Performing a complete internal breaker inspection can take up to two weeks (or more), depending on the breaker’s voltage class and design.
By using BGA®, operators can identify which breakers actually need maintenance — and which do not.
This targeted approach significantly reduces total maintenance cost and effort. In many cases, BGA® testing confirms healthy units, allowing utilities to safely defer unnecessary internal inspections and focus resources where attention is warranted.
3. Supporting Equipment Reliability Across the Lifecycle
BGA® is valuable throughout a breaker or GIS unit’s entire operational life:
- Acceptance Testing: Verifies the purity and quality of SF₆ gas before commissioning new equipment.
- In-Service Monitoring: Detects developing faults, contamination, or decomposition products caused by arcing or internal wear.
- Predictive Maintenance: Indicates interrupter and contact wear, allowing targeted maintenance and parts readiness before an outage.
By applying predictor-driven testing, utilities can transition from time-based maintenance to true condition-based programs, improving reliability and operational planning.
4. Independent, Purely Diagnostic Testing
As with all TJ|H2b diagnostic services, BGA® is purely diagnostic.
We do not perform maintenance or repairs, ensuring unbiased, science-driven evaluations and recommendations you can trust.
Our laboratories adhere to recognized international standards, and with 11 lab locations worldwide, TJ|H2b offers both regional access and responsive turnaround times.
Optimize Breaker Diagnostic Safety and Reliability with BGA®
Gas-insulated breakers and switchgear are critical assets in today’s grid. BGA® Diagnostic Testing gives operators the data-driven insight to maintain those systems efficiently and responsibly.
At TJ|H2b Analytical Services, we’re dedicated to providing independent, reliable diagnostics that enhance grid reliability, reduce costs, and protect both people and the environment.
Contact us today to learn how BGA® can strengthen your Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) strategy.
FAQs on Diagnostic Testing
Q1. How often should SF₆ be analyzed?
After BGA® testing, each breaker receives a condition code. Depending on that rating, the recommended sampling interval can range from immediately to annually. For detailed interpretation, contact TJ|H2b for consultation on the scoring methodology.
Q2. What does the condition code mean?
The condition code reflects the relative health of the gas and the breaker — from normal operation to critical contamination levels — and guides your next maintenance steps.
Q3. How is SF₆ sampling performed?
Sampling is conducted with TJ|H2b’s GSCU, which draws gas quickly and safely without exposing it to moisture or oxygen contamination.
Q4. Can BGA® detect internal breaker problems?
Yes. Decomposition products and gas purity shifts can reveal arcing activity, contact wear, or internal deterioration long before physical inspection would.
Q5. What are the main cost benefits of BGA®?
By identifying breakers that do not require maintenance, BGA® reduces the time and labor associated with full gas removal and inspection.
Q6. Is BGA® environmentally friendly?
Yes. The sampling process minimizes SF₆ emissions, ensuring both diagnostic accuracy and environmental compliance.
