Inenjohtoinen

Inenjohtoinen is Finnish an adjective that describes a substance or component that does not conduct electricity well, i.e., an insulating material. The term is formed from the prefix in- (negation) and the root johtoinen, which relates to conducting. The opposite term is johtava (conductive).

In electrical engineering and materials science, inenjohtoinen materials are classified as insulators or dielectrics. They are used to prevent unwanted current flow, protect against electric shock, and enable components such as cables, switches, and capacitors to operate safely. The concept is closely tied to properties such as electrical resistivity or specific resistance, dielectric strength, and dielectric loss. Materials commonly described as inenjohtoinen include plastics, glass, ceramics, dry wood, and air, especially when dry.

Key properties and measurements are used to characterize inenjohtoinen materials. High resistivity means low leakage current, while high dielectric strength indicates a material’s ability to withstand high voltages without breakdown. Insulation performance can be affected by temperature, humidity, and mechanical stress. In practice, insulation quality is assessed through tests such as insulation resistance measurements (eristevastus) and insulation breakdown tests, with results often expressed in ohm-meters (Ω·m) for resistivity or kilovolts per millimeter (kV/mm) for dielectric strength.

Notes on usage: while many materials are generally non-conductive under normal conditions, moisture, contaminants, or mechanical damage can significantly increase conductivity and reduce insulation performance. In Finnish technical language, inenjohtoinen is commonly used to describe materials or configurations designed to minimize electrical conduction and protect electrical systems.