What is an Arc Flash: An electric arc is a luminous bridge formed in a gap between two electrodes. An Arc Flash occurs during a short circuit condition, or a fault, which passes through this arc gap. The Arc Flash can be initiated through accidental contact, dust build-up, equipment that is underrated for the available short circuit current, or corrosion of equipment and other parts. This disastrous event can expel large amounts of deadly energy as the arc causes an ionization of the air, and temperatures can reach as high as 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit.   That kind of temperature can severely burn human skin in a fraction of a second, even at a significant distance from the event itself. It also poses the risk of igniting any nearby combustible materials.