Low Temperature Performance of Naphthenic and Paraffinic Oils in Transformers and Automatic Circuit Reclosers

This paper presents, on a comparative basis, the results of tests performed at low temperatures between a reference naphthenic oil and an experimental paraffinic oil in various oil-filled electrical components. These tests demonstrate that the viscous behavior of the paraffinic oil below -20°C renders this oil unacceptable for use in transformers and circuit reclosers.