Third alternative: solid dielectric devices, often coupled with vacuum interrupters. Also typically more costly, and introduce some operational/safety concerns (e.g., SF6 and air-insulated switches often have visible gaps, which are desired - and in some cases required - for utility operations. Vacuum interrupters are fully encapsulated, so the open gap is not visible.)
mooseyontheloosy t1_j6u8w4z wrote
Reply to comment by PuckSR in US Emissions of the World’s Most Potent Greenhouse Gas Are 56 Percent Higher Than EPA Estimates. Electric utilities are likely responsible for the nation’s higher than expected emissions of sulfur hexafluoride, a greenhouse gas 25,000 times worse for the climate than carbon dioxide. by Wagamaga
Third alternative: solid dielectric devices, often coupled with vacuum interrupters. Also typically more costly, and introduce some operational/safety concerns (e.g., SF6 and air-insulated switches often have visible gaps, which are desired - and in some cases required - for utility operations. Vacuum interrupters are fully encapsulated, so the open gap is not visible.)