ELECTRIFICATION IN MOTION

GE Vernova is introducing the latest evolution of its SX Pantograph Disconnector portfolio up to 550 kV, 5,000 A / 80 kA, designed to offer standardized high ratings, reduce substation space, lower material use, and bring digital intelligence into high-voltage switching equipment.

Substations are critical nodes in the electricity grid. They help control how power moves through the network and allow operators to safely manage, isolate and maintain high-voltage equipment.

As grids expand and modernize, operators need substations that can do more within limited space, while using resources more efficiently and providing better visibility into asset condition.

At CIGRE Paris 2026, GE Vernova is unveiling the latest evolution of its SX Pantograph Disconnector portfolio up to 550 kV. Manufactured in Noventa di Piave, Italy, the portfolio will be available for order following the event.

In simple terms, a pantograph disconnector is a high-voltage switching device that helps operators safely isolate parts of the grid for operation and maintenance. The latest SX design is smaller, lighter, circularity-focused and digital-native.
 

Why disconnectors matter

Disconnectors may not always be the most visible part of the grid, but they are essential to safe substation operation.

They create physical separation between parts of the electrical system, allowing maintenance or switching work to take place when needed. For operators, that means the equipment must be robust, dependable and able to perform in demanding environments.

GE Vernova’s SX Pantograph Disconnector is IEC- and IEEE-compliant and designed for conditions ranging from arctic cold to desert heat. Its double-scissor design supports low current density and long-term performance.
 

Designed with circularity in mind

The latest SX design reflects GE Vernova’s focus on innovating with less, using fewer resources, reducing material impact and designing equipment for a long operating life.

Taking the example of the SX 420 kV 5000 A / 80 kA, the latest design reduces overall product weight by approximately 240 kg per single-phase unit compared with the previous product version, helping lower the CO₂ footprint associated with manufacturing. It also uses up to 70% recycled aluminium, supported by optimized design and greater material efficiency.

By integrating humidity-sensing technology into the operating mechanism, the SX can shift from continuous heating to heating only when needed, saving up to 8 MWh of energy over the asset’s lifetime per single-phase unit. 

GE Vernova uses Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) for new products to better understand carbon emission impact across the product life cycle. For the SX portfolio, this supports a design approach that balances performance, reliability and sustainability.

Digital intelligence on primary equipment

The SX Pantograph Disconnector portfolio is digital-native, with sensors integrated into live parts and insulators to monitor key operating parameters in real time.

This gives operators better visibility into asset condition and can support a shift from time-based maintenance to condition-based maintenance. Instead of relying only on fixed schedules, operators can use data to understand when attention may be needed.

For customers, this can help support substation availability and more efficient maintenance planning.

Part of GE Vernova’s GRiDEA™ portfolio

The SX Pantograph Disconnector complements GE Vernova’s GRiDEA™ portfolio of solutions designed to help customers reduce the carbon emission impact of grid infrastructure.

For GE Vernova, the latest SX design shows how high-voltage equipment is evolving: more compact, more resource-efficient, and more connected, while continuing to meet the performance needs of critical grid infrastructure.

Visitors to CIGRE Paris can meet GE Vernova’s Electrification experts and learn more about the SX Pantograph Disconnector portfolio as part of the company’s wider grid solutions showcase.