Ever wonder how electrical fires start?

This may be a *slight* exaggeration as that arc is coming from a 12kV AC neon sign transformer when it is plugged into a 120V AC outlet. HOWEVER, the only difference voltage makes is the distance at which an arc will form. (you gotta get the wires much closer) This does not -at all- mean the shorter arc is not as hot/unsafe... MAKE SURE YOUR HOME IS UP TO DATE AND COMPLIES WITH ALL BUILDING ELECTRIC CODES. WHEN IN DOUBT, HIRE A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN. It's just not worth the risk.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• sparks
• fire
• electricity
• safety

[shodanxx]

it's ok, I didn't install a jacob's ladder behind my drywall

electrical fire are from ohmic heating caused by bad contacts/undersized wires and breakers rated too high for the wires

[Ju5tATh0ught]

@shodanxx Yes, you are completely correct about the most common causes of fires in household wiring. Again, this is an exaggeration of what goes into an electrical fire, however it is an entertaining way to illustrate the point.

[iminyourbasement]

not many household items have thousands of volts in them, the outlet only uses 120/220 not 12000, only microwaves, boilers, and a few other contain that voltage and most dont use allot of current. so your housefire will most likely not start like that.

[Ju5tATh0ught]

@iminyourbasement That is completely correct and any appliance (such as microwaves and televisions) requiring that kind of voltage are built in a way such that the high voltage components would be very unlikely to arc and create a fire. This is an exaggeration, however it illustrates a point.

[2dlamb]

dis reel?

[Ju5tATh0ught]

@2dlamb Yes, this is very real.

[ARandomCanadian]

Put your hand in there

[UKwildcatfan1985]

And this is why AFCI's are in use

[tall32guy]

Electricity is very hot and violent, so no wonder it catches things on fire. Electrical discharges can get as hot as the surface of the Sun if not hotter! They are part of atoms, one has to remember that, and, they move at near the speed of light....

[packrat541]

Wood is a poor insulator of high voltage and I am surprised you did not get shocked.

[fairyheli2]

i'll remember not to leave firewood in my jacobs ladder from now on

[xXxchipperchopperxXx]

put your penis in it it tickles

[SubwooferBox1000]

is that a metal comuter frame under it?