This is my first use of this site and I find it very helpful. I have recently being involved in trying to understand arc flash and PPE requirements for our application in power generations. The topic is relatively new to me and I am in a learning mode.

I have a specific question with respect to an arc blast (caused by contamination of a direct short by a tool) turning into a sustaining arc once the object is disintegrated. I understand the general principles of the air ionizing and sustaining the inductive fault, but I am trying to determine the relationship between voltage and distance required to sustain the fault. I believe there is a minimal distances at which a certain voltage will sustain or distinguish the fault. Can anyone point me to some appropriate documentation or comment on this subject.

Case in point: I have a source of power from a generator that is unprotected by any ground fault detector and there is concern if a 240V 3-phase line should short out, (source of feed => 13.3 kA sudden peak short circuit peak current with a sustained 5.1kA rms), would it be sustainable??? Appreciate your comments, Art