Parallel arc or short circuit?

[Steel480]

If a paralell arc the same thing as a short circuit? So why would this not trip a standard circuit breaker? Ive read 120v paralell arcs will not arc unless actually touching. If this is the case wouldnt a standard breaker detect this?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

All arcs have impedance and can limit the current flow to a level that will not cause the OCPD to open the circuit. An arcing fault is not a solid short circuit.

 

[LarryFine]

If this is the case wouldnt a standard breaker detect this?

It all depends on the impedance and the resultant current, the latter being all that a breaker can sense.