Electrical breakdown

The term electrical breakdown has several similar but distinctly different meanings. The term may apply to a failure of an electric circuit or system with consequent lack of function.

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Alternately, it may refer to a rapid reduction in the resistance of an electrical insulator that can lead to a spark jumping around or through the insulator. This may be a momentary event (as in an electrostatic discharge), or may lead to a continuous arc discharge if protective devices fail to interrupt the current in a high power circuit.

Related Topics:
Spark - Electrostatic discharge - Arc

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