What advantages does silicone transformer oil offer over mineral oil?

Silicone oil offers superior fire safety due to higher fire and flash points, plus strong thermal stability. It can reduce fire protection requirements in some installations and is well suited for indoor or high consequence locations. Silicone fluids also perform well over wide temperature ranges. Downsides include higher cost, different fluid compatibility considerations, and sometimes different maintenance practices. Mineral oil remains popular for cost and broad availability, but silicone is chosen when fire risk dominates the decision.