Principle

Dielectric Strength, also known as Break Down Voltage, testing is used to measure the electrical strength of a material as an insulator. Dielectric strength is defined as the maximum voltage required to produce a dielectric breakdown through the material and is expressed as Volts per unit thickness. A higher dielectric strength represents a better quality of insulator.

Dielectric strength is calculated by dividing the breakdown voltage by the thickness of the sample. The data is expressed in Volts/mil. The location of the failure is also recorded.

Capabilities

AC and DC

ASTM D149 (AC voltage)
ASTM D3755 (DC voltage)
4" square sample or larger (thicker samples are tested in oil bath to avoid corona arcing)
Testing temperatures (lab ambient)

Equipment

	Equipment Type	Information
	Hipotronics Model D149-DI	Testing up to 100KV Open air or oil bath electrodes AC and DC voltage testing Three methods Short time Slow rate-of-rise Step-by-step
		Typical oil bath fixture Typical open air fixture