What are the two factors related to the visibility of arc damage?

The correct focus in understanding the visibility of arc damage lies in the duration of the arcing event and the timing of the arc. The duration of the arcing event is crucial because a longer-duration arc will generate more heat, leading to more severe damage and more pronounced visual evidence. Additionally, the timing of the arc—when it occurs in relation to other events—can influence how visible the damage is. For example, if an arc occurs at a time when materials are more likely to ignite, this could create more visible damage as well.

Other factors like weather conditions, voltage, length of wires, type of equipment, and surrounding materials can play a role in how an arc behaves or what additional damage may occur. However, the primary factors directly influencing the visibility of arc damage specifically center around the duration and timing of the arcing event itself, making these the key considerations for understanding the visibility of arc damage in fire investigations.