Causes of Electric Arcs

Posted by Ackerley Acton Tue at 10:13 PM - 111 views - Filed in Protection

Arcs can be initiated by the following: Glow to arc discharge: Dust and impurities: Dust and impurities on insulating surfaces can provide a path for current, allowing it to flashover and create arc discharge across the surface. This can develop into greater arcs. Fumes or vapor of chemicals can reduce the breakdown voltage of air and cause arc flash. Corrosion: Corrosion of equipment parts can provide impurities on insulating surfaces. Corrosion also weakens the contact between conductor terminals, increasing the contact resistance through oxidation or other corrosive contamination. Heat is generated on the contacts and sparks may be produced, this can lead to arcing faults with nearby exposed conductors of different phase or ground Condensation of vapor and water dripping can cause tracking on the surface of insulating materials. This can create a flashover to ground and potential escalation to phase to phase arcing1. Spark discharge: Accidental touching: Accidental contact with live exposed parts can initiate arc faults.

 Dropping tools: Accidental dropping of tools may cause momentary short circuit, produce sparks and initiate arcs Failure of insulating materials. Electric arcs are also caused by the following: Improperly designed or utilized equipment. Improper work procedures

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