Arc physics and characteristic control are the basic and important technological issues in the field of electric power apparatus. Enormous studies have been carried out in academic and industrial institutions in recent decades

which strongly support the development of high-performance power switchgear and the technological advancement. This paper reviews the recent research progress in high and low-voltage gas switchgear with air and SF

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and their alternative gases from the following aspects: physical parameters（including thermodynamic properties

transport coefficient

collision cross section

thermal critical breakdown field strength and so on）

arc Magneto-Hydro-Dynamical（MHD） model simulation and its application

effects of different factors on the arc character

istics and its control regulations and so on. Besides

some issues are proposed and should be deal with in further study

involving the experimental measurement of arc plasma thermodynamic parameters

the arc model of three-dimensional gas switchgear considering the non-equilibrium breakdown process in the post-arc period

the physical characteristics of DC fault arc and the efficient detection technology

the arc extinguishing technology of SF

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alternative gas. Some valuable references are expected to provide for exploration on the gas switchgear arc theory

arc extinguishing technology and new power switchgear equipment.