Accidents always occur in gas-insulated switchgears (GIS) and gas-insulated lines (GIL) since filmed joint electrodes are produced when internal gases react with the electrode’s surface when there is a discharge or when internal electricals overheat. To solve the problem, this paper analyzed the evolution of elements on the contact electrode. The reaction of the SF6 and electrode’s surface under breakdown currents and overheating conditions was obtained, and the discharge time and discharge current effects upon the transfer of the element were proposed. It was found that the mobility of the F element on the electrode’s surface typically increases after electrical heating. The number of interruptions and short-circuit currents are important factors affecting the transfer of the F element to the electrode. The flashover current is the essential factor that accelerates the transfer of the F element to insulating materials. Frequent switching is a main factor that accelerates the transfer of the F element to the contact. It was also found that Al has little correlations with the breaking process, and metal fluorides become the main components on the electrode’s surface under discharge heating. The research provides a theoretical basis and data support for GIS/GIL surface optimization treatments and the improvement of fault detection methods.
