Electrical arcing can generate temperatures reaching how many degrees Celsius?

• A. 1000 C
• B. 10,000 C
• C. 60,000 C
• D. 30,000 C

Answer: (D)

Electrical arcing produces a hot plasma channel, so the temperature rises to tens of thousands of degrees Celsius. A commonly cited value for the heat of an arc in air is about 30,000 C, which captures how intense the heat can be and why arc flash is such a severe hazard. While some extreme arcs might reach higher figures, 30,000 C is the standard reference used in safety contexts to reflect typical arc conditions. Lower values like 1,000 C underestimate the heat, and while 60,000 C can be mentioned in some sources, it isn’t the usual practical reference for ordinary arcing scenarios.