SF6 decomposition products from electrical arc in gas switchgear
During the switching of normal load or short-circuit current, SF₆ molecules are ionized and fragmented by the arc. The figure illustrates the main reaction processes and the locations where each process is likely to occur. SF₄, as the primary decomposition product resulting from the electric discharge, first reacts with H₂O on the inner wall surface, giving rise to SOF₂. The metal fluorides remain in the form of powder or dust on the surface. H₂O is released in this reaction and thus becomes ava