Helical arcs in electromagnetic interrupters

Helical arcs in electromagnetic interrupters can, for investigation, be simplified into two types of geometry, the axially dynamic and the axially static. Axially static helical arcs can be stabilised by introducing barriers between adjacent arc turns, in which case the arc may be initiated by exploding a fusewire. Dynamic arcs, on the other hand, are free to move axially within the device, and in the case described, have been generated within a rotating arc circuit breaker. Based on information obtained at the University of Liverpool, this paper presents features of practical interest in both of these devices, and indicates how these may be combined in future interrupters