  In this paper we present results on measurements of the dielectric strength
of liquid argon near its boiling point and cathode-anode distances in the range
of 0.1 mm to 40 mm with spherical cathode and plane anode. We show that at such
distances the applied electric field at which breakdowns occur is as low as 40
kV/cm. Flash-overs across the ribbed dielectric of the high voltage
feed-through are observed for a length of 300 mm starting from a voltage of 55
kV. These results contribute to set reference for the breakdown-free design of
ionization detectors, such as Liquid Argon Time Projection Chambers (LAr TPC).
