The arcing current is generally in relation to the bolted fault current value as?

The arcing current is typically less than the bolted fault current value due to the nature of how these currents are generated during fault conditions. Bolted fault current represents a situation where there is a direct short-circuit connection (a "bolted" connection) with very low impedance, allowing maximum current to flow through the circuit. This results in a much higher current level.

In contrast, arcing faults occur when there is a breakdown of the air insulation between conductors, leading to a plasma arc instead of a direct short. The arc introduces additional resistance in the circuit, which reduces the amount of current that can flow compared to a bolted fault. Therefore, when an arcing condition is present, the resulting current will be significantly lower due to this increased impedance. Understanding this relationship is crucial for electrical safety work practices, as it influences how fault currents are managed and mitigated in electrical systems.