Voltages in
excess of this maximum value, however, can cause circuit
malfunction - and even permanent component damage -
because significant reverse currents will flow through the
device. For example, Vishay General Semiconductor’s
GP02-40 rectifier diode has a peak reverse voltage rating
(VRRM) of 4000 V, maximum. Applied reverse voltages of
4 kV or less will produce a maximum reverse leakage
current, IR, of 5 μA through the device when operated at
room temperature (25 °C). In most cases, this leakage
current is considered negligible, and the device is said to be
completely blocking (IR = 0).