Abstract
This chapter reviews studies of discharge characteristics and insulating properties of SF6 gas conducted in Japan, stressing works of the recent five to ten years. It deals with the following items. (a) computer simulation of basic processes of discharge in SF6, (b) discharge characteristics in non-uniform fields, (c) breakdown characteristics in nearly uniform fields: breakdown criterion and breakdown voltage, (d) electrode effect, (e) breakdown voltage-time characteristics, (f) characteristics of spacers: surface flashover and internal breakdown (puncture), (g) effect of conducting particles: gas gaps, surface flashover, and preventive measures, (h) electrode coating, and (i) characteristics for dc.