Rikkoutumisjännitteellä

Rikkoutumisjännitteellä refers to the breakdown voltage in Finnish. It is a fundamental electrical property of insulating materials, indicating the maximum electric field strength a material can withstand before it begins to conduct electricity. When an insulating material is subjected to an electric field exceeding its breakdown voltage, its molecular structure is ionized, leading to a significant increase in conductivity. This phenomenon can cause permanent damage to the insulator and lead to electrical failure, such as short circuits or arcing.

The breakdown voltage is influenced by several factors, including the type of insulating material, its thickness, the ambient temperature, humidity, and the rate at which the voltage is applied. Different materials have vastly different breakdown voltages. For instance, air has a relatively low breakdown voltage, while materials like mica or certain plastics have much higher values. Understanding breakdown voltage is crucial in the design and application of electrical equipment and systems to ensure safety and reliability. Engineers use this parameter to select appropriate insulators that can withstand the expected operating voltages and potential transient overvoltages. In essence, it is a critical safety limit for electrical insulation.