Arc mapping is based on which principle?

Arc mapping is based on the principle of the predictable behavior of energized electrical circuits. This concept revolves around understanding how electrical arcs occur, which are the result of electrical current jumping across gaps between conductors. When a circuit is energized, it creates a path for electrical current to flow. If there is a break or an object in the circuit, the energy can jump, resulting in an arc that produces specific burn patterns.

Investigators use arc mapping to analyze the patterns left by electrical arcs during a fire, which can assist in determining the origin of the fire. By studying where the arcs occurred and how they interacted with their surroundings, fire investigators can gather crucial evidence about the cause of the fire.

The focus on this principle is significant in fire investigations because it allows for a systematic assessment of electrical components and helps differentiate between intentional and accidental electrical malfunctions that may lead to a fire.