Novel Low-Cost SF6 Arcing Byproduct Detectors for Field Use in Gas-Insulated Switchgear

Two low-cost, SF6 arcing byproduct analyzers were developed by Ontario Hydro for field use in GIS. The analyzers are based on widely available detector tube technology and can be used readily by field personnel without extensive training. The highly sensitive analyzers can be used rapidly in-situ (ie. analysis times of about one minute) for diagnostic purposes for both fault location and partial discharge detection. The analyzers were successfully tested on several occasions at Ontario Hydro substations after power arc faults, providing excellent correlation with laboratory results.