The term "breakdown voltage" refers to the voltage at which an insulating material or device experiences a sudden electrical breakdown, resulting in the appearance of a conducting path. The phonetic transcription of this term is /ˈbreɪkdaʊn ˈvɔltɪdʒ/ where "break" is pronounced as "brāk", "down" as "doun" and "voltage" as "vōl-tij". The added "e" in "break" is used to indicate the long vowel sound /eɪ/ while the "o" in "voltage" is pronounced as /oʊ/, making it a diphthong.
Breakdown voltage, also known as dielectric strength or breakdown field strength, refers to the minimum voltage required to cause the breakdown of a dielectric material. It is a critical parameter used to measure the electrical insulation capability of a material and is usually expressed in volts per unit thickness.
When a dielectric material is subjected to an electric field, it can withstand the field up to a certain point before it breaks down, allowing current to flow through it. The breakdown voltage is the point at which this breakdown occurs. It signifies the voltage at which the insulating properties of the material fail, causing a sudden and significant increase in current flow.
The breakdown voltage of a material depends on various factors, such as its thickness, composition, purity, and temperature. It is commonly used in the design and evaluation of electrical equipment to ensure they can withstand the expected voltage levels without experiencing breakdown.
In practical applications, breakdown voltage is an important consideration in areas such as power transmission, electrical insulation systems, and semiconductor devices. It is crucial to select materials with appropriate breakdown voltage ratings to prevent failures, damage, or hazards caused by electrical breakdown.
Overall, breakdown voltage serves as a key parameter to assess the electrical insulation capabilities of dielectric materials and plays a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of electrical systems.
The word "breakdown voltage" originated from the combination of the words "breakdown" and "voltage".
- "Breakdown" comes from the Old English word "brecan", which means "to separate into pieces". Over time, it evolved to mean "to fail" or "to collapse". In the context of electrical engineering, it refers to the point at which an insulating material or device fails and allows electric current to pass through, usually resulting in a disruptive discharge or breakdown.
- "Voltage" stems from the Latin word "volta", which is named after Italian physicist Alessandro Volta. It refers to the potential difference or electrical pressure between two points in an electric circuit.
When combined, "breakdown voltage" refers to the specific voltage at which electrical breakdown occurs, causing the insulating material to fail and allowing current to flow.