The Dielectric Withstanding Voltage (DWV) is the voltage that a capacitor can withstand for a short duration of time (usually five seconds). The DWV of a ceramic capacitor can range from 1.2 to 2.5 times the rated voltage. One-hundred percent of all KEMET ceramic capacitors are tested for DWV to ensure the capacitors can survive the DWV voltage prior to shipment. This is performed through a DWV test, also known as voltage proof, high-potential, or dielectric-strength test where each capacitor is subjected to the DWV voltage and then tested for insulation resistance. Any capacitor that does not meet the catalog specification for insulation resistance after the DWV test is rejected. Since the DWV test is performed in a controlled environment with a controlled voltage ramp rate, KEMET does not recommend exceeding the rated voltage in an actual application. In other words, customers should not apply any voltage to the capacitor above the rated voltage.