Which gas level can spike as a result of electrical breakdown within the oil?

When electrical breakdown occurs within transformer oil, it results in the breakdown of hydrocarbon molecules, leading to the formation of various gases as a byproduct. Hydrogen is one of the first gases generated during this process. The presence of hydrogen is a reliable indicator of electrical faults, such as arcing or overheating, since it is produced in significant amounts when oil is subjected to high temperature and voltage stress.

The formation of hydrogen occurs because electrical discharges can cause the decomposition of the oil, leading to the splitting of hydrogen atoms from the hydrocarbon chains. Monitoring hydrogen levels is critical in substation maintenance, as elevated concentrations can signal a potential failure in the equipment, allowing for timely intervention before major issues arise.

While carbon monoxide, ethylene, and acetylene are also byproducts that can form due to electrical faults and oil breakdown, the initial spike in gas levels from electrical breakdown is predominantly due to hydrogen. Thus, in the context of identifying the specific gas that can significantly increase as a result of electrical breakdown within oil, hydrogen is indeed the correct answer.