What is Electrical Strength
Electrical strength is the ability of a PCB material to withstand electrical breakdown in the Z direction, which is perpendicular to the PCB’s plane. It measures the material’s resistance to electrical stress without experiencing failure or breakdown. The measurement unit used for electrical strength is Volts/mil, indicating the voltage the material can withstand per unit thickness.
Typical electrical strength values for PCB dielectrics fall within the range of 800 V/mil to 1500 V/mil. These values provide an indication of the level of electrical stress the material can handle without compromising its integrity. To determine the electrical strength, the PCB material is subjected to short high-voltage pulses at standard AC power frequencies.
Ensuring sufficient electrical strength is essential for maintaining the reliability and safety of the PCB’s electrical system. It is one of the key factors considered when selecting PCB materials, as it directly impacts the material’s ability to withstand the electrical demands placed upon it.
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