Definitions of breakdown voltage and dielectric strength

About a year ago the Standards Committee appointed a special committee under the chairmanship of Doctor F. B. Silsbee of the Bureau of Standards to develop definitions for “breakdown voltage” and “dielectric strength.” The committee reported at the May 9th meeting of the Standards Committee and the definitions suggested were accepted for reference to the subcommittee of the Standards Committee on Definitions and to a committee on Insulation of the National Research Council. The definitions suggested follow: