An energetic discharge caused by electrical breakdown of the dielectric layer in a capacitor and massive lateral surface discharge resulting in dissipation of most of the stored charge. The capacitor is typically formed by charged plastic coating on a metal substrate although plastic pipe and tote bins may also form the required charged double layer. The stored energy may exceed 1000 mJ, presenting both personnel shock and ignition hazards for a wide variety of materials, including dusts in air.
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