SF6 circuit-breaker design and performance

Circuit breakers using sulphur-hexafluoride (SF6) gas are finding an increasing share of the world e.h.v. market, mainly because of the advantages they offer the user. These advantages include superior performance, increased contact life, and, with the single-pressure versions of these circuit breakers, simplified construction. However, the introduction of a new technology brings with its advantages a number of problems in design, operation and maintenance, which must be recognised by the designer and user