Explaining the Unexplainable: The Electric Phenomena in Wires

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around an electric phenomenon observed in a video featuring wires, specifically focusing on the behavior of insulation and the presence of arcs. Participants explore various explanations for the observed effects, including the role of moisture and ionization.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the insulation catching fire is due to the exposure of the conductor, with the fire moving along as more insulation is exposed.
  • Another participant proposes that the phenomenon is likely caused by moisture in the wire, which turns to steam and becomes ionized into plasma, creating an arc that moves along the wire.
  • A different viewpoint argues against the insulation fire explanation, stating that a normal insulation fire would not travel as quickly horizontally and emphasizes the presence of an ionization/plasma arc between two wires.
  • One participant acknowledges the presence of two wires and the role of ionization after initially missing these details.
  • Another comment reflects on the lack of adequate protection equipment, suggesting that the arc should have triggered a fuse due to its low resistance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the cause of the observed phenomenon, with some supporting the idea of moisture and ionization while others focus on the behavior of the insulation. No consensus is reached on the explanation.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the phenomenon without resolving the underlying assumptions about the conditions leading to the observed effects, such as the specific nature of the insulation and the environmental factors involved.

Kontilera
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Hello!
Just came across this video,
.
Does anybody know how to explain this??

Best Regards

Kontilera
 
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insulation catching on fire, as more of the conductor is exposed the insulation fire moves with it. Cool video though.
 
More likely caused by moisture on/in the progressing parts of the wire flashing to steam from the heat of the current flow from current moisture (steam) being ionized into the plasma by the arc. As the current wire section runs out of moisture the arc heat spot moves like a lit fuse to the next section as it flashes to steam from heat as the arc follows the power wires.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Mordred said:
insulation catching on fire, as more of the conductor is exposed the insulation fire moves with it. Cool video though.

no, not likely, a normal insulation fire wouldn't travel that fast horizontally
its an ionisation/plasma arc traveling along between 2 wires
if you look closely you will see the arc


there's awesome examples in this compilation of HV arcs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX5TIDLvMyw


cheers
Dave
 
ah yeah I didn't see the two wires, and also didn't consider ionization
 
I loved the "Oh my God" at the end - as he reached for his computer, to upload the video. lol
It doesn't say much for the protection equipment, used on the line. An arc like that must be very low resistance and should have blown a fuse, at the very least. (I'm referring to the OP, here)
 
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