In this slow motion demo of an ASTM F2178 Test, the shield receives IR and UV early in the test and the plasma cloud near the end of the test.

This test is an example of a stable arc used in the lab for repeatability in ratings. Other types of arcs are an ejected arc, an “arc in a box” which is ejected but more focused, and a “tracking” arc which is when an arc tracks along something like sweat on skin.

The arc flash testing in the video is produced by ArcWear, more information on electrical safety testing can be found at ArcWear.