Disruptive Discharge    IEC and IEEE

The sudden and large increase in current through an insulating medium due to the complete failure of the medium under electrical stress.

  • Note 1 The term applies to electrical breakdowns in solid, liquid and gaseous dielectric, and combinations of these.
  • Note 2 A disruptive discharge in a solid dielectric produces permanent loss of electric strength. In a liquid or gaseous dielectric the loss may be only temporary.