Experimental analysis of the evolution of an electrified drop following high voltage switching

► We analyzed the behavior of low-conductivity drops following high voltage switching. ► The drop's evolution consists in a quasi-equilibrium process for subcritical voltages. ► The instantaneous interfaces match the equilibrium solution for subcritical voltages. ► We measure the charge accumulated in the drop's free surface as a function of time. ► A dynamical regime leads to the drop breakage when a critical voltage is surpassed.