What is often true about short-duration arcs?

Short-duration arcs are characterized by their brief existence and typically have limited energy output. This inherent characteristic often means they do not generate enough sustained heat to ignite solid fuels effectively. Ignition of solid materials generally requires a certain level of energy and duration to raise the temperature of the material to its ignition point. Since short-duration arcs lack this sustained energy, it is common for them to be insufficient for initiating combustion in solid fuels.

Understanding the specific dynamics of short-duration arcs is crucial for fire investigation. Investigators need to recognize that while arcs can potentially start fires, the likelihood of them igniting solid fuels, especially under normal circumstances, is significantly diminished. This information is vital for determining the source of a fire and for accurately assessing fire dynamics in an investigation.