breakdown voltage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical / Academic / Engineering
Quick answer
What does “breakdown voltage” mean?
The minimum voltage at which an insulating material or component (like a dielectric or a gas) suddenly begins to conduct electricity, failing in its insulating function.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The minimum voltage at which an insulating material or component (like a dielectric or a gas) suddenly begins to conduct electricity, failing in its insulating function.
In a broader technical sense, the critical point of failure for any insulating system under electrical stress, often resulting in arcing, sparking, or permanent damage. Also used metaphorically to describe a critical point of system failure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling conventions follow national norms for compound words (British may hyphenate 'break-down voltage' occasionally, but the solid form is standard in technical writing).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. No cultural or connotative divergence.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in respective technical/engineering contexts in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “breakdown voltage” in a Sentence
The breakdown voltage of [material/device] is [value].[Material/Device] has a breakdown voltage of [value].Applying a voltage above the breakdown voltage causes [material] to [fail/arc].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “breakdown voltage” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The capacitor is likely to break down if the applied voltage exceeds its rating.
- The insulator broke down at 15 kilovolts.
American English
- The dielectric will break down if you surpass the specified voltage.
- The old transformer insulation broke down during the surge.
adverb
British English
- The film failed breakdown-preventatively. (Highly contrived, adverbs from this noun are exceptionally rare and non-standard.)
American English
- The system performed breakdown-resistantly. (Highly contrived, adverbs from this noun are exceptionally rare and non-standard.)
adjective
British English
- We recorded the breakdown-voltage characteristics of the sample. (hyphenated attributive use)
- The breakdown test results were conclusive.
American English
- The breakdown voltage measurement is critical. (solid compound attributive)
- We need a high-breakdown-voltage material.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; used only in technical sales, specifications, or failure analysis reports for electrical components.
Academic
Common in physics, electrical engineering, materials science papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Only used by hobbyists (e.g., electronics) or in specific DIY contexts.
Technical
Core, high-frequency term in electrical engineering, electronics design, high-voltage systems, and materials testing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “breakdown voltage”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “breakdown voltage”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “breakdown voltage”
- Using 'breakdown voltage' to refer to a gradual decrease in voltage (that is 'voltage drop' or 'sag').
- Confusing it with 'breakover voltage' (for thyristors).
- Incorrect plural: 'breakdowns voltage' (should be 'breakdown voltages').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but they are closely related. Breakdown voltage (measured in Volts, V) is the specific voltage at which a given sample fails. Dielectric strength (measured in Volts per meter, V/m) is a material property—the maximum electric field the material can withstand intrinsically, independent of sample thickness.
Yes. It is not an absolute constant for a material. It depends on factors like temperature, humidity, the shape of the electrodes, the duration of the applied voltage (e.g., impulse vs. DC), and contamination.
Generally yes for insulating materials, as it indicates a greater margin of safety against electrical failure. However, in some devices like gas discharge tubes or Zener diodes, a specific, controlled breakdown voltage is a desired operational feature.
Breakdown voltage is the voltage at which insulation fails and conduction begins. Arcing voltage is the voltage required to maintain an arc *after* breakdown has occurred; it is typically lower than the initial breakdown voltage.
The minimum voltage at which an insulating material or component (like a dielectric or a gas) suddenly begins to conduct electricity, failing in its insulating function.
Breakdown voltage is usually technical / academic / engineering in register.
Breakdown voltage: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbreɪkdaʊn ˌvəʊltɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbreɪkdaʊn ˌvoʊltɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It was the breakdown voltage for their partnership. (Metaphorical, rare)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a dam (the insulator) holding back water (the voltage). The BREAKDOWN VOLTAGE is the precise water pressure that makes the dam suddenly crack and break down, letting the flood through.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BARRIER / THRESHOLD metaphor. Voltage is a 'pressure' that an insulating 'wall' can withstand only up to a precise limit before it catastrophically 'breaks down'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary consequence of exceeding the breakdown voltage of an insulator?