##  [Flashover](/flashover) 

  ##  [Flashover](https://engineering.quantumdictionary.io/flashover-0) 

  

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**Engineering & Applied Technologies Dictionary**

 







 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Definition

A rapid transition from insulating to conducting behaviour that occurs when an electrical discharge propagates across an insulating surface or across an external gap (often along or over a surface contaminated or wetted by conductive material), establishing a sustained arc channel that bypasses the intended insulation and can cause equipment damage, interruption or secondary faults.