PrometheusSmith t1_it547jz wrote on October 21, 2022 at 12:21 AM

Reply to comment by jib_reddit in Power outlets have a faint smell. by napstur

Just moves the arc of breaking the circuit to a different location, albeit one that is much more effective at breaking the current.

shardarkar t1_it5giba wrote on October 21, 2022 at 1:51 AM

A switch breaks the circuit many times faster than a human ever could by pulling a plug out of a socket. This reduces the duration of the arc and damage caused by it, extending the lifespan of the electrical contacts in the socket.

PrometheusSmith t1_it5jkwl wrote on October 21, 2022 at 2:14 AM

The real hero though is AC current, allowing the voltage to help break the arc as well.

wj9eh t1_it6cfm1 wrote on October 21, 2022 at 6:54 AM

What in the Nicola Tesla

PrometheusSmith t1_it769s0 wrote on October 21, 2022 at 12:56 PM

Arc length is determined in part by voltage. DC would be constant so you'd be breaking the arc at full voltage. With AC the voltage cycles through 0 60 times a second, allowing the arc to dissipate naturally and it cannot reform because the voltage required to maintain an arc is lower than what is required to start it.

wj9eh t1_it7ovhw wrote on October 21, 2022 at 3:12 PM

Sure but would it kill an elephant?

ColgateSensifoam t1_it64d9z wrote on October 21, 2022 at 5:16 AM

Specifically a proper switch, as they're spring-loaded to snap as fast as possible, crappy (non-kitemarked) switches can neglect the spring and arc if you don't hit them hard enough

Kale t1_it6u647 wrote on October 21, 2022 at 10:59 AM

Technology connections has a great video on this. It explores why light switches are "clicky". To spoil the answer, good light switches have mechanisms that fling the electrical contacts open and closed as fast as possible, to keep the electrical arc as short as possible.