What is an Electric Arc?

What is an Electric Arc?

Arc Definition

An arc is a glowing path created by ionized gas between circuit breaker contacts when they open.

Arc in Circuit Breaker

The arc phenomenon in circuit breakers occurs between separating contacts under load, maintaining current flow until quenched.

Thermal Ionization

Heating gas molecules increases their velocity and collisions, leading to ionization and plasma formation.

Ionization by Electron Collision

Free electrons accelerated by an electric field collide with atoms, creating more free electrons and ionizing the gas.

Deionization of Gas

Removing ionization causes recombination of charges, neutralizing the gas and aiding arc quenching.