Which of the following gases is commonly used as an insulating material in electrical equipment due to its non-flammable nature and good dielectric strength?

Explanation:

Insulating Gases in Electrical Equipment

Introduction: In electrical equipment, insulating materials are crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency. These materials prevent electrical discharges, reduce energy losses, and protect the equipment from damage. Among these materials, certain gases are commonly used for their excellent insulating properties. This discussion will focus on the gas commonly used for its non-flammable nature and good dielectric strength, which is Nitrogen.

Correct Option Analysis: Nitrogen

Nitrogen (N₂) is a diatomic gas that constitutes about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere. It is colorless, odorless, and, most importantly, non-flammable. These properties make it an ideal choice for use in electrical equipment. Here’s a detailed explanation of why nitrogen is commonly used:

• Non-flammable Nature: Nitrogen is chemically inert under most conditions, meaning it does not readily react with other substances. This inertness makes it non-flammable, reducing the risk of fire or explosion in electrical equipment.
• Good Dielectric Strength: Dielectric strength is the maximum electric field that a material can withstand without breaking down. Nitrogen has a high dielectric strength, which means it can effectively prevent electrical discharges within the equipment.
• Thermal Conductivity: Nitrogen has moderate thermal conductivity, which helps in dissipating heat generated within the electrical equipment, thus preventing overheating.
• Availability and Cost: Nitrogen is abundant in the atmosphere and can be easily extracted and purified. Its availability makes it a cost-effective solution for use as an insulating gas.
• Environmental Impact: Nitrogen is non-toxic and has no significant environmental impact, making it a safe choice for both the equipment and the environment.

Analysis of Other Options:

Let’s analyze why the other options are not commonly used as insulating materials in electrical equipment:

• Hydrogen:
  • Hydrogen is highly flammable and poses a significant risk of explosion, making it unsuitable for use as an insulating material in electrical equipment.
  • Although hydrogen has good thermal conductivity, its flammability outweighs this advantage.
• Carbon Dioxide:
  • Carbon dioxide is non-flammable and has some insulating properties, but it has a lower dielectric strength compared to nitrogen.
  • Carbon dioxide can also form carbonic acid when in contact with moisture, which can be corrosive to electrical components.
• Oxygen:
  • Oxygen is highly reactive and supports combustion, making it a poor choice for insulating electrical equipment.
  • The presence of oxygen can increase the risk of fire and oxidation of components.