 ##  [Dielectric Breakdown](/dielectric-breakdown) 

  ##  [Dielectric Breakdown](https://engineering.quantumdictionary.io/dielectric-breakdown-0) 

  

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**Engineering &amp; Applied Technologies Dictionary**

 







 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Definition

Abrupt transition of an insulating material to a conductive state when the local electric field exceeds the material’s dielectric strength, initiating charge carrier multiplication or surface flashover and a sustained current path.