Dielectric strength

A distinction should be made between:

• Dielectric strength/current resistance (destruction limit): exceeding this limit can result in irreversible changes to the electronics, up to and including destruction.
• against a specified reference ground
• differential
• Unless otherwise stated, the destruction limit refers to a permanent condition. Information on short-term tolerable overload can often only be given in individual or simple load cases, as general information usually requires a great deal of testing (How often does the case occur? How long is the recovery time afterwards? How high is the overload? Does it have a damaging effect, generate heat or something else?)
• Recommended operating voltage range/operating current range: If this is exceeded, operation in accordance with the specification can no longer be assumed; the value is also determined in this case
• against a specified reference ground
• differential
• This value is always below the destruction limit.

Fig.37: Recommended operating voltage range

Special specification details can be provided in the device documentation, e.g. taking into account:

• Self-heating, ambient conditions
• Rated voltage
• Insulating strength
• Edge steepness of the applied voltage or holding periods
• Normative environment (e.g. PELV)