A Guide To Dielectric Strength

Electrical insulation only works if it keeps electricity within its bounds. When manufacturers craft insulating materials, they must determine their insulating efficacy before sending the parts to market. That’s where dielectric strength comes in. Here is a guide to dielectric strength and why it’s so important.

Electrical Insulation

People use insulation for all kinds of products, from manufacturing machinery to construction projects. Insulation relies upon a material’s inhibitory properties to keep harmful substances at bay. Electrical insulation, as the name implies, keeps electricity safe inside its proper housing. Imagine if the components of the power grid had no protection—it could electrocute anyone! Insulation keeps engineers and consumers safe from electrical harm.

Dielectric Strength

Dielectric strength measures the ability of a material to withstand electrical charges. It refers to the maximum voltage necessary to break down the material dielectrically. Insulators are strong, but if the voltage is high enough, electricity will win. This breakdown factors into the applications and uses of electrical insulators, so it’s essential for engineers to know the operational parameters an insulator can handle. At Red Seal Electric Company, we use the ASTM D495 test to determine the exact dielectric strength of electrical insulating materials like our Transite HT board.

Common Applications

Every fabricated material goes to use, but where exactly do dielectrically strong insulators go? One of the main places you can find electrical insulation is the power grid. From transformers to busbar supports to generators, engineers must control the power grid’s electricity. You can also find insulation in electric motors, electric appliances, and power tools.

A guide to dielectric strength is a guide to electrical safety. Without proper insulation, electricity can seriously harm people. If you have any questions about the electrical insulators available at Red Seal Electric Company or how we measure dielectric strength, reach out to us today for more information.