An experimental study of AC arc propagation over a contaminated surface

The ac arc propagation over a wet contaminated surface is observed using high speed cameras located at two sides. It is found that the reignition processes at different parts of the arc are different. Based on the observation and analysis of the movement of the arc roots, it is demonstrated that the electric breakdown process plays a significant role in the propagation of the arc. A new propagation mechanism based on electric breakdown developing ahead of the arc column is proposed to describe the physical process of the movement of the arc root. Comparison of the proposed mechanism with arc propagation phenomena in previous literatures shows that the proposed model is reasonable.