Electrical Faults and Damage Progression in SF6-Insulated Medium Voltage Power Switches.

Interest in the use of SF//6-insulated power switches has grown rapidly in recent years. The reasons for this development are their compactness, climatic durability and their freedom from maintenance and to a similar extent to their increasing refinement, adaptability to widely differing requirements in utilities and their current price level. In the selection of SF//6 switches from the wide range now available, the above aspects are of major significance. However, due to the absence of lengthy practical experience the safety of the switches, potential faults and damage progression also play an essential role in their selection.