What happens to electrical pressure during an arc-flash event?

During an arc-flash event, electrical pressure, commonly referred to as voltage, experiences an increase due to the rapid, uncontrolled flow of electricity through the air. When a fault occurs, such as an arc, it creates a path for current to flow, bypassing the normal circuit components. This additional flow can manifest as a dramatic rise in voltage across the faulted area.

As the arc creates a conductive plasma, it allows for extremely high current levels, resulting in an increase in electrical pressure. This rise can lead to significant energy release, which is responsible for the intense heat and potential damage associated with arc-flash incidents.

The misconception that electrical pressure remains constant or decreases fails to account for the additional energy being fed into the arcing path, which can escalate the system conditions dramatically. Similarly, while heat is generated during the arc-flash, it is a product of the increased current flow and not a direct transformation of electrical pressure itself. Therefore, the correct understanding is that electrical pressure increases during such an event.