What is defined as an incendive arc?

An incendive arc is characterized by its ability to provide sufficient heat energy and duration to ignite flammable materials. This type of electrical arc produces temperatures high enough to overcome the ignition threshold of combustibles in its vicinity. Understanding the conditions under which arcs occur and their potential to cause ignition is crucial for fire investigators, as it aids in determining the cause of a fire and evaluating safety hazards in electrical systems.

In this context, the definition emphasizes the significance of both the heat energy produced by the arc and the time it persists, as both factors contribute to its capacity to ignite adjacent materials. It is essential in fire investigations to discern levels of risk associated with electrical components and systems, making this definition pivotal in the field.