what is dielectric breakdown
Electrical breakdown in an electric discharge showing the ribbon-like plasma filaments from a Tesla coil. Electrical breakdown or dielectric breakdown is a rapid reduction in the resistance of an electrical insulator when the voltage applied across it exceeds the breakdown voltage.This results in a portion of the insulator becoming electrically conductive.lectrical breakdown may be a momentary event (as in an electrostatic discharge), or may lead to a continuous arc discharge if protective devices fail to interrupt the current in a high power circuit. Under sufficient electrical stress, electrical breakdown can occur within solids, liquids, gases or vacuum.