This International Standard defines the quality for technical grade Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) 105 and complementary gases such as nitrogen (N2) and carbon tetra-fluoride (CF4), for use in 106 electrical equipment. The provenance of the above gases unless taken from electrical 107 equipment for its reuse which is covered by IEC 60480 - is of no consequence provided the 108 gas is commercially available and equals or exceeds the quality expectations defined in this 109 international standard. Analytical techniques, covering both laboratory and in-situ portable 110 instrumentation, applicable to the analysis of SF6, N2 and CF4 gases prior to the introduction 111 of these gases into the electrical equipment are also described in this standard. 112 This standard provides some information on Sulphur hexafluoride in Annex A and on 113 Environmental effects of SF6 in Annex B. 114 Information about SF6 by-products and the procedure for evaluating the potential effects on 115 health of SF6 by-products are covered by IEC 60480. 116 The handling and disposal of these items should be carried out according to international and 117 local regulations with regard to the impact on the environment. Handling of SF6 and its 118 mixtures is covered by IEC 62271-4. 119 Procedures to determine SF6 leakages are described in IEC 60068-2-17 Basic environmental 120 testing procedures Part 2: Tests Test Q: Sealing . 121 For the purpose of this standard, SF6 mixtures mean mixtures of SF6 with N2 or CF4.