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In this paper, we conduct a series of experiments aimed at analysing the dielectric properties of compressed dry air, and some SF6–air mixtures up to 700 kPa, under application of AC 50 Hz and lightning impulse (LI) 1.2 μs/50 μs voltage. The investigations were carried out by using a cylindrical spacer model with an adhering particle on the surface under homogenous field conditions. We measure the partial discharges (PD) propagation characteristics under LI voltage stress, as well as the PD inception voltage and the flashover voltage for the contaminated particle. We also investigate the surface charge accumulation on the spacer surface under contaminated particle conditions. The results of the experiments reveal the influence a conducting particle has on the determined flashover field strength, for SF6–air mixtures compared with pure, compressed dry air. This influence is discussed for different particle lengths, but also for three different particle positions in the gap. Pure dry air achieves a higher dielectric strength when the particle gets into contact with the high voltage electrode, under negative LI voltage stress. The same result is obtained for the SF6–air mixtures, when the particle is located in the middle of the gap, as floating electrode on the spacer surface. The reported results contribute to the improvement of the models of breakdown through the interface gas–solid isolator. The application of these models should offer the possibility for considering the use of dry air, or its mixtures with SF6 which, normally have a lower relative global warming potential than pure SF6.[Traduit par la Rédaction] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]