arcing fault

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monkey

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An arcing fault can occur as the result of two conductors being in close proximity to each other but not actually touching. I would like to know if there is a technical term to describe this condition of the conductors, not the actual fault itself, but the pre existing condition of the conductors that set the stage for the arc to occur.
 
I'd say the technical term is "loose connection". That is, as opposed to "tight" connection.
 
These would be two conductors as opposed to a conductor and a termination. Two conductors that have been damaged, but not actually touching, but close enough to draw an arc upon energizing.
 
"Damaged creating a loose connection".

One loose wire under a wirenut is a splice, not a termination, yet the connection is loose.
 
monkey said:
An arcing fault can occur as the result of two conductors being in close proximity to each other but not actually touching. I would like to know if there is a technical term to describe this condition of the conductors, not the actual fault itself, but the pre existing condition of the conductors that set the stage for the arc to occur.
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Oh i just re read the OP. how about the term dielectric breakdown?
 
Damage can easily create an open that will never arc. Perhaps, "Damage broke the conductor creating a loose connection."
 
monkey said:
An arcing fault can occur as the result of two conductors being in close proximity to each other but not actually touching. I would like to know if there is a technical term to describe this condition of the conductors, not the actual fault itself, but the pre existing condition of the conductors that set the stage for the arc to occur.
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What type of installation are you talking about? Voltages? Conductor types?
 
monkey said:
240 volts single phase, old rubber insulated SEU, 60 amp OCPD.
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Interior dry location, or subject to contamenation from weather, leaks, etc.?
 
I'm also not sure what you are asking, but prior to the arcing, the voltage around (at least) one of the conductors needs to be sufficient to ionize the air (or gas that is in the vicinity). (I believe that this ionized air (gas) is referred to as plasma.) the ionization can increase due to several processes once it has begun, then once the ionization then becomes sufficient at some point to allow conduction of electrical current you have your arcing. rapid temperature increase of the metal conductors produce the resulting arc blast.

(I ain't no physicist, but I believe the above is more or less correct ?)
 
Arcing ground faults can occur when the insulation breaks down between two conductors (including ground of course). Moisture, water, excessive dirt, dust, carbon from previous faults, debris left on insulating material do to lack of quality work, cracks in insulating material that gets filled with any of the above. Typically this (sustained arcing faults) will occur on 480/277 VAC and higher voltage systems. The voltage on a 208/120 VAC system is not sufficient to maintain an arc.
 
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