Hajoamisjännites

Hajoamisjännites, also known as breakdown voltage, is the maximum voltage that can be applied across an electrical insulator before it begins to conduct electricity. This phenomenon occurs when the electric field within the insulator becomes strong enough to overcome the forces holding electrons in their atomic structure, or to accelerate free electrons to energies sufficient to ionize other atoms, creating a cascade of charge carriers.

Different insulating materials have characteristic breakdown voltages, which depend on factors such as the material's composition, temperature, thickness, and the presence of impurities. For example, air has a breakdown voltage that can be influenced by humidity and pressure. In solid insulators like plastics or ceramics, the breakdown voltage is a critical parameter for determining their suitability in electrical applications.

When the breakdown voltage is exceeded, the insulator loses its insulating properties and becomes conductive. This can lead to short circuits, component failure, and potentially fire hazards. In some applications, such as surge protectors, controlled breakdown is utilized to divert excess voltage safely. In others, like high-voltage equipment, exceeding the breakdown voltage is a critical failure condition that must be avoided. Understanding and respecting the hajoamisjännites of materials is fundamental to electrical engineering and safety.