Flashover 1 : An unintended electrical discharge to ground or another phase. Flashovers can occur between two conductors, across insulators to ground or equipment bushings to ground
Young & Company Electric Power Products and Related Engineering Services, Glossary of Electrical Terms, http://www.youngco.com/young2.asp?ID=4&Type=3, CA., USA 2001. (Electr Sfty - Amer) {514}