Possible Consequences Of Cleaning The Insulation Components Of The Operating Mechanism Of An Sf6 Circuit Breaker With Acetone.

When maintaining switchgear sf6 circuit breaker operating mechanism, some have considered using acetone to clean its insulation components, but this practice carries certain potential risks.

The insulation components of switchgear sf6 circuit breaker spring mechanism are typically made of plastic, phenolic resin, or other synthetic insulating materials. Similar recommendations suggest using anhydrous alcohol for cleaning insulation components in similar switchgear. Discussions have suggested that acetone or aromatic hydrocarbon solvents may cause stress cracking or microcracks in plastics and synthetic insulating materials, thereby reducing their mechanical strength and electrical properties.

Acetone is a strong solvent that can swell, soften, and even dissolve many plastics and synthetic resins. If residual solvent is not completely removed after cleaning with acetone, the solvent evaporation process may cause microscopic damage to the surface of the insulation components, affecting their insulation performance. More seriously, in subsequent operation or under energized conditions, this hidden damage may cause dielectric aging, performance degradation, or even localized breakdown.