Export Countries and Regions
| Property | Mineral Oil | Natural Ester (FR3®) | Silicone |
| Flash point | ~155 °C | ~330 °C | ~300 °C |
| Fire point | ~165 °C | ~360 °C | ~370 °C |
| Biodegradability | Poor | 100% | None |
| Toxicity | Low to none | None | Low to none |
| Relative cost | Low | Higher | Highest |
| Chemical base | Petroleum (naphthenic) | Plant (seed oil) | Siloxane (synthetic) |
| Factor | Liquid-Filled (Oil-Immersed) | Dry-Type |
| Typical location | Outdoors | Indoors |
| Footprint | More compact | Larger |
| Noise | Quieter (oil dampens vibration) | Louder (open air vents) |
| Unit cost | Lower | Higher |
| Operating cost | Lower (more efficient cooling, lower losses) | Higher |
| Maintenance | Oil sampling & DGA, gauge checks | Cleaning vents and enclosure |
| Reliability | Equal when properly maintained | Equal when properly maintained |