When a gas is exposed to a voltage larger than its capacity to block, electrical arcs can form. When the voltage between the conductors is sufficient to ionize the air between them, an arc form. When ions are introduced to the air, the air becomes a good conductor of electricity. Air ionization produces a current that heats and lights the air. This heat causes the ionized air to rise, generating a stream in the shape of an arch. Therefore, the phenomenon is called an arch current. An arc flash is capable of producing temperatures as high as 20,000 degrees Celsius.

When a gas is exposed to a voltage larger than the voltage it can block, electrical arcs develop. When the voltage is high enough to ionize the air between the conductors, the arc begins. When a gas is ionized, it becomes a good conductor, allowing current to flow and generating an "arc flash" of arched-shaped electricity. An arc fault is an unintended electrical discharge.