SF6 has high affinity for electrons.

When a free electron comes and collides with a neutral gas molecule, the electron
is absorbed by the neutral gas molecule and negative ion is formed. This is called as electro-negativity of SF6 gas.

The main characteristics of SF6 gas are good chemical stability, non-toxicity, and a lower
liquefaction temperature than other electronegative gas, having good arc extinguishing
performance at the same time.

SF6 has high dielectric strength, noninflammable, nontoxic, non-explosive as compared to air
which has less arc extinguishing property. In air the maintenance is required for the compressor
plants which supply the air but in SF6 maintenance and replacement is required after 5-6 year.

When circuit breaker is interrupted by short-circuit current, sometimes their contacts may get burnt due to
arcing and the dielectric oil gets carbonized and arcing products remain in the oil due to which it loses its
dielectric strength. So, the breaking capacity of the breaker is reduced. Therefore, the maintenance of
minimum oil circuit breaker is essential for checking and replacement of oil and contacts. Because the oil
deteriorates with successive operations and due to which we have to replace it.