A hipot test intentionally overstresses insulation by applying a much higher than normal voltage. What occurs at a weak or damaged point in a circuit or cable?

When a hipot test is performed, it exposes the insulation of a circuit or cable to a significantly higher voltage than it would normally experience during operation. This rigorous testing is designed to reveal any weaknesses or defects in the insulation.

At a weak or compromised point in the insulation, the excessive voltage can lead to arcing. Arcing occurs when electrical discharge happens through the air or any insulating material, creating a visible spark and potentially damaging the insulation even further. This phenomenon confirms the existence of defects since the insulation is unable to hold up against the overstressed voltage.

The other options are less relevant in this context. While inductance and resistance are important concepts in electrical engineering, they do not directly result from the hypo test itself in terms of failure or damage. Welding of the cable might imply a different process involving melting and fusing of materials, which is not related to the typical outcomes of a hipot test focusing on insulation integrity. Therefore, the occurrence of arcing at weak points is the primary concern during a hipot test.