Sparks arcs & flashovers

[Jabbajaws]

Cann anyone please explain to me what the difference between sparks, arcs and flashovers is.

If l understand correctly, each involves a voltage between two points. What l dont know is how each is defined and where l would expect to come across them.

Any info appreciated....

JaBBaJawS...

 

[mechelec]

if a conductor of sufficient pottential comes into contact with another conductor or earthed metalwork of a different potential then you will get a spark.
If current then flows between the above and they are pulled apart you will get an arc.
if there are other conductors at another potential (like in a three phase panel) within a close enough distance when the above arc is produced then a flashover can occur and an arc will flow between all the different potentials. ( at this point you do not want to be near it)
The flashover will stop either when the protection opens or the distance between the conductors increases and the arc cannot be supported any longer.

 

[Jabbajaws]

Thank You for your clear explanation mechelec...