---
title: "What Is Arc fault? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "An arc fault is an unintended spark across a break or damaged spot in wiring. It can reach thousands of degrees."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/arc-fault
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Wiring and circuits

# Arc fault

An arc fault is an unintended spark across a break or damaged spot in wiring. It can reach thousands of degrees.

The CPSC says unwanted arcing makes high temperatures and throws molten metal that can ignite paper, insulation, vapors and some carpets. The temperature of an arc can be several thousand degrees Celsius. It lists loose connections at a receptacle or splice, and worn cable, as causes of series arcing.

Arcing can happen at currents too low to trip an ordinary [circuit breaker](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/circuit-breaker). That is why [AFCI](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/afci) protection exists. Buzzing, sparks or scorch marks at an outlet call for a licensed electrician right away. See [electrical warning signs](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/electrical-warning-signs).

[Daniel Electric can helpResidential electrician](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/electrician)

## Related terms

-   [AFCI](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/afci)
-   [Short circuit](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/short-circuit)
-   [Ground fault](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/ground-fault)
-   [Circuit breaker](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/circuit-breaker)

## Sources

1.  [CPSC: New Technology for Preventing Residential Electrical Fires](https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/AFCIFireTechnology.pdf)
2.  [CPSC: New Technology for Preventing Residential Electrical Fires](https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/AFCIFireTechnology.pdf)

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