Does dielectric breakdown have a physical indication?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on identifying physical indications of dielectric breakdown in a quartz capacitor. Participants suggest consulting the IEC 60243-2-2001 standard for testing dielectric breakdown voltage. While some physical damage may be visible, such as fine fissures or breaks in the quartz material, it is not always obvious. The conversation emphasizes the need for careful observation and the possibility of using visual inspection to assess damage.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of dielectric materials and their properties
  • Familiarity with capacitor types, specifically quartz capacitors
  • Knowledge of the IEC 60243-2-2001 standard for dielectric breakdown testing
  • Basic skills in visual inspection techniques for electronic components
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the IEC 60243-2-2001 standard for dielectric breakdown voltage testing
  • Learn about visual inspection methods for identifying dielectric damage in capacitors
  • Explore the differences between quartz and mica capacitors
  • Investigate common failure modes in dielectric materials
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, electronics technicians, and anyone involved in the maintenance or testing of capacitors, particularly those working with quartz materials.

bhope691
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
I have a capacitor which I would like to know if the dielectric has undergone dielectric breakdown. Is there anyway I can tell without specialist equipment, is there physical damage to the material that I can see with the naked eye?

The material is quartz.

Thanks.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Dear,

you should try read IEC 60243-2-2001 standard, test for dielectric breakdown voltage.
 
bhope691 said:
I have a capacitor which I would like to know if the dielectric has undergone dielectric breakdown. Is there anyway I can tell without specialist equipment, is there physical damage to the material that I can see with the naked eye?

The material is quartz.

Thanks.
A quartz capacitor? You don't mean mica? Can you attach a photo of the capacitor?

As a generalisation, I would expect that dielectric damage is not always going to be obvious.
 
Even if he means a crystal it´s also a capacitor ツ + Yes, it can be seen by naked eye. Mica as Quartz too gets fine fissures or breaks even through when dielectrical damaged.
 

Similar threads

Engineering Help with breakdown voltage x gap spacing graph
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
How does the presence of a dielectric change the max V of a capacitor?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Dielectric breakdown with insulating electrodes
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Why can we model spherical capacitor with two dielectrics as two capacitors in series?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Dielectric breakdown voltage of air vs. Electric field in thunderstorm
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Layering different dielectric materials to increase breakdown voltage
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
Graduate Moving electric field effect on dielectric/gas
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Find the charge on the plates of a parallel-plate capacitor w/ dielectric
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Graduate Electron path in the presence of a dielectric
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Breakdown in parallel plate capacitor with dielectric
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K