The Basic impulse level is the maximum peak voltage that a piece of equipment can withstand. When you exceed this rating the insulation will break down and short out.

Basic Impulse Level...

BIL

BIL is basic insulation level as per you or in other words it would be "basic impulse level" which implies the limit up to which an insulator could withstand impulse due to lightning strikes. Impulse is generated on the insulation due to the high voltage surges and spikes due to lightning strikes. BIL is generally much higher as compared to power frequency withstand voltage.

In other words BIL is lightning Impulse withstand voltage. Impulse withstand voltage is the voltage that is generated due to switching operation and it's much higher than power frequency withstand, but BIL or the lightning withstand voltage is a the voltage level that an insulation can withstand during surge or lightning strikes.

BIL or basic impulse insulation level is the dielectric insulation gradient of a material tested to withstand the voltage stress at a voltage impressed between the material and a conductive surface beyond the BIL rating, an electric tracking starts to occur which will then result into an arcing flashover to the conductive surface. In addition it is the capacity of an equipment to withstand mechanical stress..like lightning strike without causing any damage to the equipment...