Sulfur hexafluoride gas (SF₆) properties are given below

1. SF₆ gas is Heavy, chemically inert, non-toxic
2. SF₆ gas has no poisonous effect on the human body but decomposition products are poisonous
3. SF₆ gas is Colourless and odourless
4. It is gaseous at normal room temperature and pressure
5. Density is about 6.6g/l at 20°C (5 times denser than air)
6. Critical temperature is at 45.6°C and can be liquefied by compression
7. Very good insulant with high dielectric strength
8. SF₆ gas is electronegative ( tends to attract the free electrons and has the arc quenching property). Because of this main reason SF₆ gas is used for arc quenching and insulation medium in circuit breakers.
9. The gas is highly stable
10. Unlike solid insulation materials, electrical breakdown of SF₆ gas does not result in permanent deterioration of its properties.
11. Decomposition occurs on the exposure to the electric arc. (Disassociation products will be SF₂ and SF₄ lower order fluorides).

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