It is promoted as an alternative to sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) for interruption and insulation applications, as it has insulation properties twice that of SF6 and a relatively low global warming potential (GWP) compared with SF6 that is the most potent greenhouse gas. The compound has been introduced into the market by 3M under the denomination Novec 4710[4] and commercialized in high voltage equipment by General Electric starting from 2016.[5] It is seen as a credible alternative to SF6 by the European Commission as offering the capability to replace SF6 while keeping the same benefits of dimensional footprint and performance.[6] Several other companies started using C4-FN mixtures for high voltage applications: LS Electric,[7]Hitachi Energy,[8]Hyosung or Hyundai Electric.
C4-FN mixtures refers to the typically used gas mixtures including C4-FN mixed with natural origin gases (O2, CO2, N2) which are used within high-voltage equipment.
There are no other reported applications than electric insulation for the C4-FN mixtures. Apart from typical distribution and transmission high-voltage equipment, research has been done for applications within the Large Hadron Collider.[9]