flashover
/ˈflæʃˌoʊvər/
noun
- A sudden, widespread electrical discharge or arc across an insulator or between conductors, often causing a short circuit or fire.
- Firefighters train to recognize the signs of a flashover in a burning building.
- A flashover in the electrical panel tripped the main breaker.
- The high voltage caused a flashover between the two power lines.
- In firefighting, the rapid ignition of all combustible materials in a room when heat builds up and reaches a critical temperature.
- Understanding flashover is essential for firefighter safety.
- The crew evacuated just before the flashover turned the entire room into an inferno.
- Flashover can occur in seconds if a fire is not ventilated properly.
Synonyms