Editing Switch (section)

===Arcs and quenching===
When the power being switched is sufficiently large, the electron flow across opening switch contacts is sufficient to [[ionize]] the air molecules across the tiny gap between the contacts as the switch is opened, forming a [[gas plasma]], also known as an [[electric arc]]. The plasma is of low resistance and is able to sustain power flow, even with the separation distance between the switch contacts steadily increasing. The plasma is also very hot and is capable of eroding the metal surfaces of the switch contacts (the same true for vacuum switches). Electric current arcing causes significant [[Contact protection#Contact wear|degradation of the contacts]] and also significant [[electromagnetic interference]] (EMI), requiring the use of [[arc suppression]] methods.<ref>{{cite web | title = Lab Note #105 ''Contact Life&nbsp;– Unsuppressed vs. Suppressed Arcing'' | publisher = Arc Suppression Technologies | date = April 2011 | url = http://www.arcsuppressiontechnologies.com/arc-suppression-facts/lab-app-notes/ | access-date = February 5, 2012 | format = [[PDF]] | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131203004750/http://www.arcsuppressiontechnologies.com/arc-suppression-facts/lab-app-notes/ | archive-date = December 3, 2013 }} (3.6 Mb)</ref>

Where the voltage is sufficiently high, an arc can also form as the switch is closed and the contacts approach. If the voltage potential is sufficient to exceed the [[breakdown voltage]] of the air separating the contacts, an arc forms which is sustained until the switch closes completely and the switch surfaces make contact.

In either case, the standard method for minimizing arc formation and preventing contact damage is to use a fast-moving switch mechanism, typically using a spring-operated [[Tipping point (physics)|tipping-point mechanism]] to assure quick motion of switch contacts, regardless of the speed at which the switch control is operated by the user. Movement of the switch control lever applies tension to a spring until a tipping point is reached, and the contacts suddenly snap open or closed as the spring tension is released.

As the power being switched increases, other methods are used to minimize or prevent arc formation. A plasma is hot and will rise due to [[convection]] air currents. The arc can be quenched with a series of non-conductive blades spanning the distance between switch contacts, and as the arc rises, its length increases as it forms ridges rising into the spaces between the blades, until the arc is too long to stay sustained and is extinguished. A ''puffer'' may be used to blow a sudden high velocity burst of gas across the switch contacts, which rapidly extends the length of the arc to extinguish it quickly.

Extremely large switches often have switch contacts surrounded by something other than air to more rapidly extinguish the arc. For example, the switch contacts may operate in a vacuum, immersed in [[mineral oil]], or in [[Sulfur hexafluoride#Dielectric medium|sulfur hexafluoride]].

In AC power service, the current periodically passes through zero; this effect makes it harder to sustain an arc on opening. Manufacturers may rate switches with lower voltage or current rating when used in DC&nbsp;circuits.