page_title: Arc suppression
section_title: Effectiveness
hierarchical_section_title: Arc suppression / Effectiveness
caption_attribution_description: English: Capture from an oscilloscope measuring the arc energy (left) Unsuppressed AC power electrical arc (right) An identical arc suppressed with NOsparc technology
context_page_description: Arc suppression is the reduction of sparks formed when current-carrying contacts are separated. The spark is a luminous discharge of highly energized electrons and ions, and is an electric arc.
context_section_description: The efficacy of an arc suppression solution for contact protection can be assessed, by comparing the arc intensity with the help of the following methods:
  Visual Inspection of the arc: The electrical arc can be visually observed on an electromechanical power switch, relay and contactor, with visible contacts, while the contacts are opening and closing under load.
  Graphical representation of measurements obtained by an oscilloscope:  The electrical arc can be observed by using an oscilloscope to trace the voltage wave form across the contact terminals while the contacts are opening and closing under load.
caption: Screen captures from an oscilloscope measuring the arc energy: current shown by blue line (sinusoidal wave), 2V/div = 5A/div; voltage shown by red line,10V/div.
  (left) Unsuppressed AC power electrical arc
  (right) An identical arc with suppression.
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