MIL-STD-202-301 Notice 1 - Validation:2020

The dielectric withstanding voltage test (also called high-potential, over potential, voltage-breakdown, or dielectric-strength test) consists of the application of a voltage higher than rated voltage for a specific time between mutually insulated portions of a component part or between insulated portions and ground.

The dielectric withstanding voltage test (also called high-potential, over potential, voltage-breakdown, or dielectric-strength test) consists of the application of a voltage higher than rated voltage for a specific time between mutually insulated portions of a component part or between insulated portions and ground. This is used to prove that the component part can operate safely at its rated voltage and withstand momentary overpotentials due to switching, surges, and other similar phenomena. Although this test is often called a voltage breakdown or dielectric-strength test, it is not intended that this test cause insulation breakdown or that it be used for detecting corona, rather, it serves to determine whether insulating materials and spacing in the component part are adequate. When a component part is faulty in these respects, application of the test voltage will result in either disruptive discharge or deterioration. Disruptive discharge is evidenced by flashover (surface discharge), sparkover (air discharge), or breakdown (puncture discharge). Deterioration due to excessive leakage currents may change electrical parameters or physical characteristics.