What Is Arc Flash?
An arc flash is a sudden release of electrical energy caused by an arc fault — an unintended electrical discharge through air between energized conductors or between a conductor and ground. Arc temperatures can reach 35,000°F (nearly four times the surface temperature of the sun), vaporizing copper conductors and creating a pressure wave, intense ultraviolet light, and molten metal spatter. Arc flash incidents cause severe burns, hearing loss, vision damage, and fatalities — making arc flash hazard analysis a critical part of any commercial or industrial electrical project.