The dielectric withstanding voltage test (also called high-potential, over-potential voltage-breakdown, or dielectric-strength test) consists of the application of a voltage significantly higher than rated voltage for a specific time, between mutually insulated portions of a component part or between insulated portions and ground. This is used to prove that the component part can operate safely at its rated voltage and withstand momentary over-potentials due to switching, surges, and other similar phenomena.

Dielectric withstanding voltage testing is specified in the following:

MIL-T-27, MIL-STD-202, MIL-J-641, MIL-I-983, MIL-STD-1344, MIL-STD-3885, MIL-T-7743, MIL-T-7928, MIL-C-8384, MIL-F-8615, MIL-S-8805, MIL-M-10304, MIL-C-11015, MIL-R-11050, MIL-I-11804, MIL-C-12889, MIL-R-12934, MIL-C-13486, MIL-C-14409, MIL-R-15109, MIL-C-15305, MIL-C-15514, MIL-P-15736, MIL-S-15743, MIL-S-16036, MIL-F-16377, MIL-B-16392, MIL-E-16400, MIL-W-16878, MIL-S-17000, MIL-M-17060, MIL-T-17275, MIL-T-17301, MIL-V-17361, MIL-F-18327, MIL-R-18546, MIL-M-19097, MIL-M-19160, MIL-H-19760, MIL-R-19648, MIL-S-20708, MIL-C-21097, MIL-R-21098, MIL-T-21609, MIL-H-22594, MIL-B-23071, MIL-C-23200, MIL-A-23806, MIL-L-23886, MIL-P-23928, MIL-P-24041, MIL-C-24095, MIL-C-24166, MIL-P-24423, MIL-E-39029, MIL-S-008834, MIL-T-0014358, UL 719-1668, UL-427, UL-471, UL-560, UL-583, UL-588, UL-606, PD 6115-0076