Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
An arc flash is the light and heat produced from an electric arc supplied with sufficient electrical energy to cause substantial damage, harm, fire, or injury. Electrical arcs experience negative incremental resistance , which causes the electrical resistance to decrease as the arc temperature increases.
A form of explosion dissipates excess energy from the arc. [7] In addition, a high-current arc can produce a pressure wave blast in excess of 1,000 pounds per square inch (6,900 kPa) of pressure. This can throw the victim and cause severe injuries. [10] Flash burn. Flash burns are caused by electrical arcs that pass over the skin.
An electric arc between two nails. An electric arc (or arc discharge) is an electrical breakdown of a gas that produces a prolonged electrical discharge. The current through a normally nonconductive medium such as air produces a plasma, which may produce visible light. An arc discharge is initiated either by thermionic emission or by field ...
During the incident, a 138,000 volt coupling capacitor potential device failed, resulting in an arc flash, which in turn burned aluminum, lighting up the sky with a blue-green spectacle visible for miles around and as far as New Jersey. It received the humorous name "Astoria Borealis" due to its resemblance to the northern lights.
If the power supply continues to supply current, the spark will evolve into a continuous discharge called an electric arc. An electric spark can also occur within insulating liquids or solids, but with different breakdown mechanisms from sparks in gases. Sometimes, sparks can be dangerous. They can cause fires and burn skin.
An arc fault is a high power discharge of electricity between two or more conductors. This discharge generates heat, which can break down the wire's insulation and trigger an electrical fire. This discharge generates heat, which can break down the wire's insulation and trigger an electrical fire.
Get AOL Mail for FREE! Manage your email like never before with travel, photo & document views. Personalize your inbox with themes & tabs. You've Got Mail!
A high current electrical fault can create an "electrical explosion" by forming a high-energy electrical arc which rapidly vaporizes metal and insulation material. This arc flash hazard is a danger to people working on energized switchgear. Excessive magnetic pressure within an ultra-strong electromagnet can cause a magnetic explosion.