Definition
An electrical discharge that jumps across a gap between two conductors or between a conductor and ground, producing intense heat, light, and often pitting or burning of the metal at the point of discharge.
Plain English
Electricity jumping across a small gap instead of flowing through a wire, creating a hot spark that can burn the metal it touches.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft electrical-system maintenance, especially around switches, relays, connectors, wiring, and battery terminals.
Derivation
From the Latin 'arcus' meaning 'bow' or 'curve,' because an electrical discharge between two points often forms a visible curved path of light. The shape of the spark gave the action its name.
Why Pilots Care
Uncontrolled arcing can start fires, destroy wiring, damage avionics, or cause sudden loss of electrical power.
Analogy
Arcing is like a tiny lightning bolt inside an electrical part: electricity jumps across air and releases heat where it lands.
Grounding Statement
A loose electrical connection can create a tiny air gap, and electricity may jump that gap instead of passing smoothly through metal.
Intuition Check
Arcing does not mean the part is simply curved or moving in an arc. In aircraft maintenance, it means electricity is jumping across a gap, often where it should not.
Example Sentence 1
The technician found pitting on the relay contacts caused by repeated arcing each time the circuit closed.
Example Sentence 2
Arcing between chafed wires in the cockpit harness caused intermittent radio failures.