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PrometheusSmith t1_it5jkwl wrote

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

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wj9eh t1_it6cfm1 wrote

What in the Nicola Tesla

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PrometheusSmith t1_it769s0 wrote

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.

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wj9eh t1_it7ovhw wrote

Sure but would it kill an elephant?

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