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Reference.org
Breakdown voltage
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<p>The breakdown voltage of an <a href="/facts/Insulator_(electrical)/SfSXkrh5">insulator</a> is the minimum voltage that causes a portion of an insulator to experience <a href="/facts/Electrical_breakdown/btrl0FPI">electrical breakdown</a> and become electrically <a href="/facts/Conductor_(material)/BSuyupLP">conductive</a>. </p><p>For <a href="/facts/Diode/JyaoyGnk">diodes</a>, the breakdown voltage is the minimum reverse voltage that makes the diode conduct appreciably in reverse. Some devices (such as <a href="/facts/TRIAC/HRvWQkja">TRIACs</a>) also have a <i>forward breakdown voltage</i>. </p>