What causes an Electrical Arc?
An arc occurs when electric current flows between two or more separated energized conducting surfaces. Some arcs are caused by human error. Another common cause of an arc is equipment or conductor insulation failure. Build-up of dust, impurities, and corrosion on insulating surfaces can provide a path for current. Sparks produced during racking in and out of breakers, replacement of fuses, and closing into faulted lines can also produce an arc.
