What does the term "arc flash" refer to?

The term "arc flash" encompasses all the described elements, making it a comprehensive concept within electrical safety. Specifically, "arc flash" refers to a dangerous condition that arises from a sudden release of energy due to an electrical fault, often characterized by the formation of an arc—a conductive path formed when electrical energy jumps between two conductors.

This event usually comes with a rapid rise in temperature, reaching several thousand degrees in a fraction of a second. Such extreme temperatures can cause severe burns, damage to equipment, and even create an electrical explosion, contributing to the hazards associated with working on or near energised electrical conductors. By acknowledging that "arc flash" involves a sudden release of energy, a rapid rise in temperature, and the potential for an explosion, it is clear that the correct answer must include all these factors, illustrating the complexity and dangers of this electrical phenomenon.